Premier League: Arsene Wenger wary of Chelsea threat

Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal not to underestimate troubled Chelsea as the Premier League leaders bid to end their long barren run against their London rivals.

The Gunners’ 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield in August was Wenger’s first success against his arch rival Jose Mourinho in 14 attempts.

But that victory in the Wembley sunshine proved a false dawn for Arsenal in their attempt to end Chelsea’s stranglehold over their derby showdowns.

Wenger’s men were beaten 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in September in one of the few highlights of a miserable campaign for Chelsea, who have since parted company with Mourinho and are now under the interim stewardship of Guus Hiddink heading into Sunday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium.

That loss meant Arsenal have failed to win any of their last eight league meetings with Chelsea dating back to their previous success in October 2011 and, even more remarkably, they have been unable to muster a single goal in the last five of those matches.

So, although Arsenal sit top of the table while spluttering champions Chelsea are languishing four points above the relegation zone in 14th place, Wenger has suffered enough against the west Londoners to know not to take victory for granted.

By the time Arsenal kick off on Sunday they could have been replaced at the top on Saturday by second placed Leicester, who host Stoke, or third placed Manchester City, who travel to West Ham.

Leicester are behind Arsenal only on goal difference but have struggled of late, winning only one of their previous seven matches in all competitions. But Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri insists he isn’t concerned about the apparent loss of form of England striker Jamie Vardy, without a goal in six games, and winger Riyad Mahrez, who hasn’t scored in five, as his team’s incredible season reaches a pivotal point.

Manuel Pellegrini expects another difficult test of Manchester City’s ability to win a “different” title race when they travel to Upton Park.

Manchester United, buoyed by a 1-0 win at Liverpool that eased the pressure on boss Louis van Gaal, host Southampton as they look to close the gap on the top four.

Fixtures Saturday: Crystal Palace vs Tottenham, Leicester vs Stoke, Manchester United vs Southampton, Norwich vs Liverpool, Sunderland vs Bournemouth, Watford vs Newcastle, West Brom vs Aston Villa, West Ham vs Manchester City Sunday: Arsenal vs Chelsea, Everton vs Swansea