Arsene Wenger's side lost at home to Aston Villa on Saturday but Blues captain Terry insists they remain a title threat along with Liverpool and Manchester United despite being nine points off the pace.

Terry said: "I still consider Arsenal a contender, you should never write off the big sides. They have the players to do it and they will put a run together."

He continued: "We still have to play them at home and away and anything can happen. We have to make sure we pick up the six points against them in those two games.

"It is really close at the top at moment. Liverpool are playing well. I watched them before we played West Brom and Manchester United had a good result against Stoke.

top addition

"The main thing for us is to keep winning and try and frustrate the teams below us. We have experienced that in chasing Manchester United the last couple of years. It does get to you.

"They had the advantage of a better goal difference on us before but we have it now. If we can keep scoring and not conceding it's like another three points."

Rejuvenated striker Nicolas Anelka scored twice against Albion to take his tally for the season to 13, but defender Jose Bosingwa began the rout with a stunning long-range effort.

The right-back, who joined the club in a £16.2m move from Porto in the summer, has been hailed as a top addition to the squad by Terry.

"He is one of the best signings of the year," he added. "He gives us a lot going forward and can defend."