And even the most avid Gooners fans would have to agree wth that statement. Whilst Chelsea have come up against Manchester United (h), Birmingham City (a), Crystal Palace (a), Southampton (h) and Aston Villa (a), Arsenal's list looks fairly easy in comparison: Everton (a), Middlesbrough (h), Blackburn (h), Norwich (a) and Fulham (a).

Jose said "'We have had a much more difficult start to the season than Arsenal.

''And in the next few matches we have Tottenham and Liverpool at home with Middlesbrough away, while they have games against Bolton, Manchester City and Charlton.

''If we can be within a point or two of Arsenal in November and December then we have a chance."