Arsenal Beat Chelsea As Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott Talk Like Champions

The rapid rise of Arsenal and the detrimental demise of Chelsea was there for all to see at the Emirates last night, as a Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas-inspired performance saw the Gunners show the world their Premier League title credentials with a 3-1 win over the Blues.

Walcott, under fire from fans and media this season over the inconsistency that has plagued his career, scored one and made an assist as his team cruised to their biggest victory over Chelsea in 13 years. 

"We play a bit of FIFA together, so it was just a case of a simple x and square to each other," joked the 21-year-old winger about his goal, set up by Fabregas. 

Captain Cesc also made a good impression on the night, making the aforementioned assist, FIFA-11-on-the-Playstation-3-style, as well as making several pinpoint passes, putting in an excellent work rate and of course, as captain, leading by example. 

The man of the match award went to Walcott, deservedly so, but Fabregas wasn't far off being worthy of the accolade himself.

Overall Walcott and Fabregas, along with the whole Arsenal lineup on the night, managed to walk the walk, beating a down-and-out Chelsea side who are shaping up to be London's biggest joke if the form table is anything to go by. 

Both Fulham and the Blues have gained just three points in their last six games, the worst record in the Premier League.

West London football isn't looking great at the minute, especially when compared Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in the north. 

The Gunners managed to show title-winning form on the pitch, but it's the mentality off the pitch that's a real indicator as to whether they can keep that sort of form going. 

And fans got a glimpse into the Arsenal mentality postmatch during a Sky Sports interview with Walcott and Fabregas.

When asked about the significance of the Chelsea result, Fabregas acknowledged the importance mentally, but was quick to brush off any further significance, saying, "After today you have to play again.

"We have to play in two days. We'll have to wear the shirt and we always do, give 100 percent and try to beat Wigan."

Lesson one in being a champion, never rest on your laurels. It's evident here that Arsenal, or at least their captain, know that. 

Theo Walcott was then asked if he and the team felt that all the pressure was on them, given their record against Chelsea and the fact that the other top four sides picked up wins. 

He casually replied, "We didn't really think about that. It's all in the past now and we can't change that."

Lesson two in being a champion, never let pressure get to you. Again Arsenal, or at least Walcott, know that. 

The diminutive winger continued, "Everything went well for us tonight. We made Chelsea look average at times. We played some great football."

Lesson three, belittle the opponent and create your own hype. Walcott has done that for the Gunners.

Here there may be the problem of believing your own hype, which has been the downfall of several teams and athletes down the years, but going back to Fabregas' comments, that shouldn't be an issue.

Throughout the interview, both players also seemed very relaxed and were laughing and joking with each other in front of the camera. 

Lesson four, always enjoy what you do. It's clear Walcott and Fabregas were having a good time (who wouldn't after beating Chelsea!), something that needs to happen throughout the season if Arsenal are to win trophies. If morale is high, then success is high—that's the way it goes.

In just a three minute interview, two of Arsenal's key players gave a good insight into their team's mentality.

And in that small period of time, they also gave four reasons, not including the ones on the pitch, as to why Arsenal can win the Premier League this season.