Deco said that Arsenal are title bottlers with his statement saying “You don't have the bottle to win when it really matters most.”

The Blues midfielder was speaking this ahead of the Premier League clash against their London Rivals, Arsenal tomorrow at Stamford Bridge.

"Arsenal have a good squad but this season have failed in the big matches against United and us, he said in The Sun.

"That is the key when it comes to fighting for the title and perhaps the pressure and the anxiety of it all is damaging Arsenal's performance at decisive moments.

"Sunday's match is so important. It is certain that defeat for Arsenal will eliminate them as a rival for the title. If Arsenal are nine points behind us it's not just a matter of that distance but the question of morale.

"If we beat them again they will have to think about two defeats against us and that will be a very negative situation for them. So this match is like a final for them and this extra pressure is a positive for us."

Decos, 32, further told The Sun that Arsenal have faced so many injuries that affects their performances especially with the absence of Robin Van Pierse.

Deco said: "Injuries affect many teams and I think they have a real problem in attack where the absence of Robin van Persie has proved to be a very important factor.

"Their young players have been sensational but they have still not exploited their chances to become champions. United, for instance, have more experience and that is what matters at this stage of the season.

"So it is normal that the race is between United and Chelsea. Predictions made in the summer are being fulfilled."

Former Champions League winner under Jose Mourinho at Porto in 2004, also said that he has hope that Chelsea can reach finals this season although it has never easy.

The midfield schemer added: "To win the Champions League is never easy. We lost to Barcelona in the semi-finals last time but Chelsea can make the final this season.

"In Europe we always say that each match is the final - this is the mentality exhibited by the coach. Facing Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan in the next round will be very special. "I am a friend of his but, like any professional would do, my objective is to knock the Italians out of the competition.

Photo source: Daily Mail