LONDON (AFP) - Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's consistency will prove decisive as their Premier League title challenge enters a defining period.

The Gunners face Chelsea on Sunday knowing a win would effectively eliminate their London rivals from the race and keep Manchester United within touching distance.

But Wenger's side have no margin for error after four successive draws. A defeat at Stamford Bridge, combined with victory for United over Liverpool earlier in the day, would leave them six points behind the leaders.

It isn't a prospect that frightens Wenger. His team have lost only once in the league this season and the Frenchman is convinced they will win the title if that efficiency can be maintained over the final eight games.

"I feel that since the beginning of the season we have been the most consistent team," Wenger said. "We have lost just one game and that was under very special circumstances at Middlesbrough.

"That consistency will come out for good at the end of the season. I cannot imagine that will not play an important part in the final part of the season.

"If we win our big games and if we continue to be consistent then I am sure we will finish in front of the other sides.

"I cannot imagine we will lose the league if we have lost only one game at the end of the season."

Chelsea's formidable home record could intimidate lesser opponents but Wenger knows exactly what it takes to win at the Bridge.

Arsenal were the last team to leave Chelsea celebrating three points in the league back in February 2004, and he admits a repeat of that success would provide a major boost to his side's morale.

"It would be a psychological boost. We know the outcome of the championship will be down to the direct confrontations between the top teams. That's why we want to start those games well on Sunday," he said.

"We've got the strength of character to win the title, believe me. That's my belief, my firm belief and at the game on Sunday you will see.

"Since the first day of the season I have said that I believe in this team, come back in May and we will speak about it then.

"There's always a first time and until you win people have doubts about you, they're questioning you but the strong ones keep going."

While the stakes are high for Arsenal, there is absolutely no room for Chelsea to stumble again.

Avram Grant's side squandered a chance to keep the pressure on United and Arsenal by letting the lead slip three times in their 4-4 draw at Tottenham in midweek.

Now only a win on Sunday will do for the Blues and Grant must be tempted to rush Nicolas Anelka back from injury. Anelka has missed the last two games but the France striker's record against Arsenal suggests he must feature if at all possible.

Anelka, 29, has scored six times in eight league games against his former club, although he would trade another goal for a much-needed victory.

"There is no secret, I am just lucky to score against them," he told Chelsea's website. "That is it, I'm not thinking when I play against them I have to score. If we have a chance to win it is good and even better if I score.

"Every time I played against them it was for a smaller club, so it was very difficult to beat Arsenal because it is a big club with big players, who played well as a team.

"But I managed to win once, so Sunday is an opportunity for two. It is an opportunity for Chelsea and because of what happened in the week we have to win the game. Everybody knows we have to win."