ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE/CHELSEA V ARSENAL:ARSENAL HAVE appeared to be a side gasping on the ropes in recent weeks, their title challenge stalled amid a succession of stalemates. But they will arrive at Stamford Bridge tomorrow convinced they are capable of landing a huge psychological blow themselves.

"The outcome of the title will be down to the direct confrontations between the top teams," offered Arsene Wenger. "To end their home record would be a boost, as much as it would be a blow to them."

It is over four years since goals from Patrick Vieira and Edu saw Chelsea defeated in front of their own. The west Londoners have gone 77 matches without a defeat at Stamford Bridge since that 2-1 defeat in February 2004, accruing 191 of the 231 points on offer en route, though Wenger has cause for optimism to suppose that sequence is about to end.

Arsenal may have drawn their last four league games but the bigger games tend to bring the best out of them. Above all, this title, insisted the Frenchman, will be won through consistency.

"It is more of a 'must win' game for Chelsea because they are further away from United at the top," said Wenger, who gathered his players together this week to discuss their recent toils and has been encouraged by their response in training.

"But, by the time we kick off, we'll know the result of the United and Liverpool game, and that could even increase the pressure on our game. We want to start those games between the top sides well - Chelsea would not be completely out of it if they lose to us, but it would be a blow to them - but with the mental strength and hunger we have in this squad, I'm sure we'll come out in the final sprint.

"I feel that since the beginning of the season we have been the most consistent team. We have lost just one game. That consistency will count for good at the end of the season. I cannot imagine that will not play an important role in the final part of the season.

"If we win our big games and if we continue to be consistent then I am sure we will finish in front of the other sides. I cannot imagine we will lose the league if we have lost only one game at the end of the season.

"We've got the strength of character to win the title, believe me. That's my firm belief, and at the game on Sunday you will see. Since the first day of the season I have said that I believe in this team. Until you win (the title) people doubt you, question you, but there's always a first time.

"The strong ones keep going. We had a little slowdown after the game at Birmingham (the first of the four recent draws), but we're over that."

Arsenal have lost only one of their last 11 league visits to Chelsea - to Jose Mourinho's side who won the Premier League game 1-0 in August 2005 thanks to a goal from Didier Drogba - and they will draw further encouragement from Avram Grant's record this term.

The Israeli has yet to win a game against any of the current top seven in the Premier League, losing to William Gallas's late goal at the Emirates Stadium in the corresponding fixture.

But he was keen to suggest Chelsea's title pursuit would depend upon the results gleaned against the top two at Stamford Bridge over the season's final few months.

"You cannot know what will happen," said Grant. "We know we are at home and we know we want to win. But it depends on the result between Liverpool and United, or the results of the other teams between now and the end of the season, as well. We will only see at the end of the season. Maybe, sometimes, a point is a good result, but you just don't know."

Wenger added: "I expect them to play well against us, but I think we will win the game if we play well.

"I watched their game in midweek and they played well, as did Tottenham. They are less tall than they were, and Tottenham took advantage of that and have players who are good in the air.

"But let's focus on us winning the game, and not expect any weakness of Chelsea. This is a good opportunity for us to show we are back to our best."

Wenger will meet Mathieu Flamini's representative next week in an attempt to agree a new contract with their France international.

Arsenal's costly dropped points

2pts: Dec 5th: Throw away a fourth-minute lead to draw 1-1 at Newcastle.

3pts: Dec 9th: Flattered by injury-time goal in 2-1 loss away to Middlesbrough.

2pts: Jan 12th: Squander half-time lead as they draw 1-1 at home to Birmingham.

2pts: Feb 23rd: Eduardo's broken leg sets the tone and Birmingham equalise in injury time for a 2-2 draw.

2pts: Mar 9th: Toothless display sees low of a 0-0 draw at Wigan five days after high of win in Milan.

2pts: Mar 15th: Equalise in 86th minute to scrape 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough.