Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger credited Chelsea with a fine defensive display during the Blues' 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman was impressed by the way skipper John Terry had managed to shrug off his personal problems.

Terry set up the opener for the first of Didier Drogba's two goals with a glancing header from a corner.

Wenger said: "I believe John Terry wants to win when he plays football and sometimes for people, to play football can be a diversion to what is happening off the field.

"I had some players, who when they had private problems, were even stronger on the pitch because it was a place where they could get out of it.

"You have to congratulate Chelsea. We did not get a demonstration of football but they were efficient and that is what made the difference.

"The first goal contributed to our defeat but apart from that we had great spirit and attitude. We could not get back to 2-1 and get them really wobbling.

"They defended very well. We were unlucky with one or two decisions from the referee but we had mountains of possession.

"We could not transform it into goals. We had 70% of possession. We were always attacking but in a big game like that when you are 2-0 down, you demand too much.

"I am completely happy with the performance and spirit. We didn't turn up against Manchester United but today we had the expected performance.

"We were completely dominant. I always had the feeling we could come back but you have to give Chelsea credit. They are very experienced at the back.

"We tried very hard and the team gave absolutely everything and sometimes when you lose, you have to acknowledge that as well."

Arsenal are now nine points adrift of Chelsea and face Liverpool next week but Wenger refuses to give up on the title.

"We are not in the best of positions but we will not give up," he added.

"It is vital against Liverpool but it was vital today and we still have lost."