Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes that the strong collective loyalty and work ethic at Stamford Bridge is the reason that the Blues now top the Premier League table.

"We are a good team and it's great to play in a team like this," the German told the Blues' official website. "Everyone fights for everyone, there is some good experience and we have played together for a few years.

"We play for Chelsea, that's our job, and that's why we have to win games and that's what we have to do now. The team are confident, settled and it's important to win, even in difficult situations."

And Ballack feels that ruthlessness rather than an appealing style is what matters now as we head towards the business end of the season.

"We knew the way they [Arsenal] would play. It's always a little bit of the same style and if you know the tactics, you can beat them," he added. "Football is not about possession or playing a nice passing game. Football is about winning games.