TERRY: COMFY CUSHION

what a terry....ficc!!!

John Terry believes being out in front at the top of the Premier League could bring out the best in his Chelsea team-mates this season.


The captain has twice led us to the Championship, both times after racking up a lead by this stage in the season, and now he is hoping to see a repeat this time around.


Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United, in which Terry is claiming the winning goal, put us five points clear at the head of the table, and the 28-year-old considers our second win against traditional top four opposition a major boost.


'I think that's where we lost it last year, as well as too many draws at home, and it's good psychologically for us, so we're delighted we have the two victories and our home form is looking really good again,' he said. 'There are times throughout the season where you need to grind out a result and we did that.'


'It's encouraging, that could be key for us and we'll try and increase that lead,' Terry added. 'They [Man United] are certainly not going to give up. Last year and the year before there was no way we were giving up. They've had a few injuries but once everyone is fit and well they'll be raring to go to push right to the very end.'


The defender believes we are now looking at a three-horse race, with Arsenal considered the third contender for the crown.


'Arsenal are looking good at the moment, free-flowing and scoring goals like they always do. When they pick up injuries they tend to miss a few key players, but it's interesting for everybody that it's not just us and Man U.


'Liverpool have slipped away a little bit so it's difficult for them, I'm not ruling them out but the way the three of us are playing at the moment, I think it'll be between us.'


Despite England's game against Brazil in Dubai, Terry is already thinking about what's next in the Chelsea fixture list, and is looking for a maximum points haul before January's African Cup of Nations.


'Coming home from England we have Wolves and then we have Arsenal, so tough games, but it's important we keep that five points or try and increase it,' he stressed. 'Man United have tough games coming up as well, so it's important that before we lose the African lads we have a good cushion.'

On the impeccable home form, the captain told Chelsea TV: 'We had a great record a few years ago and it seems to be coming back. The fans have played a massive part in that, they have been brilliant, the songs, the way they get each other going in each stand has been fantastic and it is something the players notice and we speak about.'