Defender Joe Cole expects Chelsea to emphasise their Premier League title credentials by gaining revenge over Tottenham in today's vital clash at White Hart Lane.

Avram Grant's side make the short trip across London, knowing a win would move them level on points with second-placed Arsenal and keep the pressure on leaders Manchester United.

It is a remarkable turnaround for a team that appeared to be on the brink of imploding less than two weeks ago.

In the aftermath of Chelsea's embarrassing FA Cup exit at Division One side Barnsley, one would have been hard-pressed to find a punter willing to put money on the Blues making a serious title challenge.

But they are back in the race after wins over Derby and Sunderland. Now Grant has the chance to answer the critics, who claim he cannot win the really important matches.

Anelka's attacking blip NICOLAS Anelka was once among the top scorers this season. But, since scoring for Bolton the 10 League goals in 18 games that persuaded Avram Grant to sign him, he has not done the business for Chelsea - just one goal in six games. Still, with last season's top scorer Didier Drogba out of sorts owing to injury and international duty, Anelka is the Blues' best bet during the run-in. His recent EPL record ... more

Where his predecessor Jose Mourinho taught Chelsea how to thrive in the spotlight, Grant's team have failed to rise to the big occasion under Grant.

So a victory today would help erase the bitter memories of last month's League Cup-final defeat by Spurs.

It will also prove that Grant can get his star-studded squad to perform when the chips are down.

Cole feels that Grant can help Chelsea emerge from United and Arsenal's shadows to take a third title in four years.

He said: 'It is very tight at the top and the race is wide open. So we need to stay focused because this is the time when you can't afford to throw anything away.

'We're happy in the shadows, lurking there. Now we're ready to build some good form and go on the onslaught. This is a great time for Chelsea.

'No one on the planet knows who is going to win the league at the moment. It's just a case of making sure we keep performing. We're hitting form at just the right time. Hopefully, this is the start of bigger and better things for Chelsea.'

While Chelsea still have silverware to play for, Tottenham's stars are fighting for their future at the club.

Juande Ramos' side are heading in the right direction, as their Wembley victory against Chelsea showed, but they are certain to finish in mid-table after Sunday's loss at Manchester City.

That is not good enough for Ramos, who is considering a clear-out during the close season.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
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