Thibaut Courtois hopes Chelsea can 'close gap' on leaders Manchester City

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has insisted that the team are focused on trying to keep up with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Antonio Conte's side are in third position and 17 points adrift of City heading into 2018.

The outcome of successfully defending the league title is unlikely from Chelsea's perspective, but they could overhaul second-placed Manchester United, who have a two-point advantage.

Ahead of this evening's showdown against Arsenal at the Emirates, Courtois has been speaking about the Blues' recent form, which has included just one defeat in 13 top-flight fixtures.

"I think it's important over the Christmas period, with a lot of games, that you pick up as many points as possible, especially now we are playing a big rival who are below us, because if we can win there it will be good for us and we will go up to second again," Courtois told the club's official website.

"We want to try to close the gap to Man City as much as possible in case they drop points. We are in good form, we are defending well and not conceding goals so hopefully we can keep that run going, but the most important thing against Arsenal is to win."

Chelsea's last victory over Arsenal was a 3-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge in February last year.