Eight on the trot, FA Cup final... but are Arsenal ready to challenge Chelsea?

The Gunners have enjoyed a superb run of form and have won eight games in a row, making this weekend's clash with the Blues a true acid test for Arsene Wenger's men

Arsenal's clash with Chelsea this weekend might not be a title decider but it certainly represents an acid test. Not since the days of the Invincibles have the Gunners been on such a run of form, and the visit of the champions elect is a chance for Arsene Wenger's men to lay down a real marker ahead of the 2015-16 season.

A run of eight wins in a row have taken the Gunners from the doldrums of sixth – where they were after their 2-1 loss to Tottenham at White Hart Lane – to second. Indeed, there was the faint whiff of a title challenge from north London as they steamed up the table. Only Chelsea’s brutal efficiency put paid to that.So while silverware won't be on the line this weekend, it is certainly a clash of two title contenders ahead of next season.Arsenal have become accustomed to being also-rans in recent years. Following the move from the Emirates Stadium they were weighed down with debt, limited in the transfer market and became a feeder club to the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona.

The halcyon days of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie are gone, but while Gunners fans may harbour fond memories of that trio prior to their defections, they could only ever guide Arsenal to third. Indeed, in 2009-10 the Gunners finished 10 points behind Manchester United – where Van Persie currently languishes on the substitutes bench – and 11 points behind eventual champions Chelsea, where Cesc Fabregas has recaptured the form of his youth.This season Wenger’s side, spearheaded by the dazzling, South American guile of Alexis Sanchez and the understated genius of Mesut Ozil, are set to finish in their best position for nine seasons.