Chelsea striker Didier Drogba admits his side's 2-1 win over Arsenal has given them the "belief" that they can catch leaders Manchester United.Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna had put his side ahead in the 59th minute when he headed a Cesc Fabregas corner past goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini from close range.

But Chelsea hit back through Drogba in the 73rd minute when he he lashed home a loose ball at the edge of the Arsenal box following a knockdown by Frank Lampard.

Drogba then capitalised on some poor defending from Kolo Toure to hook in a deep cross into the box after a knock-on from Nicolas Anelka - and win it with just eight minutes left.

And the Ivory Coast international, who was named man of the match, is confident his side can move forward after this result.

"I think they give the belief we can still be in the race against Manchester United," Drogba told Sky Sports 1.

"Arsenal are not dead even though they lost this game. Although it is going to be difficult for them and their confidence will be hit.

"We played well today, it is always difficult against arsenal. But we are strong and I think we deserved the win today."

Drogba also praised the impact of substitutes Nicolas Anelka, John Mikel Obi and Juliano Belletti, who came from the bench in the latter stages to give the Blues a final push.

"I think the substitutes did their job and that is what it is all about - the team. They wanted us to show that even though they are on the bench at the start they can be important.

"I hope we can win the title this year and the way we celebrated showed we believe that we can do it."

Drogba also paid tribute to Arsenal defender William Gallas, who got a mixed reception by the fans of his former club.

He added: "William gave some good years to Chelsea and the minimum the fans should show him is some respect."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted his side will not give up on the title even though they are six points behind Manchester United in the table.

"We will fight until the end and we are not worried about the future but are disappointed now obviously," Wenger said.

"Today we were unlucky and I thought we played well. We were 1-0 up and were unlucky with their first goal which I thought was really offside.

"Anelka came on for them, and they decided to play long ball, which put us under a lot of pressure and that was the only way they could trouble us. In the end we lost the game.

"It is disappointing because we gave everything but now the priority has to be the next game."

Chelsea manager Avram Grant said Drogba has returned to something like his best form.

He said: "Didier was not so good when he came back from the African Nations Cup but last week against Spurs he was better, and today he was very good.

"We played well, especially in the second half against a very good team.

"It is not so easy to win the title but we in with a chance. We are still chasing but we are now closer to the top."

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