Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has thrown down the gauntlet at current Premiership leaders Arsenal.

Ancelotti reckons the next four league games at Aston Villa away, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool will test Arsenal's challenge to the core.

Ancelotti insists the Stamford Bridge clash will be a defining moment. He said: "It will be a very important period. The most important thing will be when we play them on February 7."