Michael Ballack is aware that Chelsea’s clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium is important in the Blues’ quest to win the league title.

Chelsea are currently the Premier League leaders, with a five-point advantage and have beaten both Manchester United and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this term.

A win over the Gunners would be Carlo Ancelotti's men widen the gap between both clubs to 11 points, with Arsenal still having a game in hand.

Ballack used to treat such games as he would any other, but admits that he is taking this game far more seriously now.

"In the past I had the opinion that you could lose a big game to a big team and it doesn't decide the title," Ballack told Sky Sports.

"But winning gives you a massive confidence for the next weeks.

"If you beat Man United or Liverpool, you know the team worked well, you are in good shape, you beat the best teams in the league.

"It gives a sign to the other clubs but also to yourself. It is a big point in the season."

The German midfielder signed for the Blues on a free transfer in 2006 having been the stars of Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

Ballack has had to adapt to being just a squad member in the Chelsea team, and he is adamant that team success outweighs any individual accolades he can achieve.

He added: "I knew there were a few players next to me who are of the same level. That's why I have no problem to step a little bit back. It doesn't matter who's scoring the most goals or who is playing the best.

"I can still play better but I have improved, that's right. I am a team player. Of course everybody wants to play at his best but not everybody can be in a position where he is shining. That's the secret when you have so many good players."

The veteran midfielder's deal with the club ends in the next offseason, but the 33-year-old is in no hurry to sign a new deal.

He said: "I am relaxed. I will see how we come together, or not. That is the situation, there is no pressure from both sides. So we will see.

"I want to play as long as possible at the highest standard."