Cesar: We have to end rotten run now

Chelsea are in the midst of an alarming winter slump and Cesar azpilicueta insists they must improve immediately if they are to cling to fourth place. Frank lampard’s team have collected only six points from their last seven Premier league games. They are increasingly concerned about the closing pack and cannot afford to be distracted by the emotion of arsenal’s new era as Mikel arteta takes charge of his first home game tomorrow. ‘For them it is a new beginning with a new coach but for us it is a massive game after a disappointing result,’ said the Chelsea captain. ‘It is a london derby and we have to bounce back. We have to be ready for the second part of the season. We have to learn because it is important to see the reality, to see where we can do better and we must do better if we want to be at the top. ‘We were in a better position before the international break.

The gap was bigger and we were in third. Now it is very competitive.’ Chelsea went third in November after six wins in a row. They were nine points clear of fifth but Tottenham have closed to within three points since Jose Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino. home form has been the biggest problem for lampard’s team, beaten recently by West ham, Bournemouth and southampton. ‘It is not normal to lose so many games in your stadium with your fans,’ said azpilicueta. ‘When teams see we have not won games at home they come with more confidence because they see they can do it. We have to turn it around straight away. We have the players, we have the quality and the lesson has been very harsh.’ Mateo Kovacic is back from a onegame ban, Reece James is out with an ankle injury and Marcos alonso is doubtful. It will be the first time they have faced David luiz since lampard sold him to arsenal on the eve of the season.