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Ashley Cole has admitted he likes being taunted by Arsenal fans because it makes winning games with Chelsea even more satisfying.
The left-back has never been forgiven by the Gunners faithful for leaving them to join the Blues for a £5,000-per- week pay rise in 2006.
The Arsenal fans booed Cole again at Emirates Stadium on Sunday but he had the last laugh with an inspired display in Chelsea's 3-0 win.
In Standard Sport yesterday, Frank Lampard criticised the supporters for continuing to barrack Cole, who has now revealed he is not bothered by the boo-boys.
He said: “I've enjoyed coming back here [to the Emirates] now. Yes, I get booed but it's all fun. I have another win so I'm very happy. I have been at Chelsea for three-and-a-half years now and I have moved on in my head. It doesn't really bother me, it's life.”
Cole, who aggravated a hamstring problem on Sunday, set up the first two goals in the win but he believes it is the team's defensive qualities which will be key to securing the title.
They haven't conceded at home since the opening day of the season and have kept a clean sheet in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Cole said: “In the big games we defend well. Teams like Arsenal are going to get chances but we defended well as a team from up front with Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Joe Cole working hard. We know we will get a chance and score because these guys are on form at the minute.
“If we keep clean sheets then we know we will win games. That's what matters in the big matches and if you want to win the League you have to beat these kind of teams and so far it is going well.
“Last year we didn't beat the top four sides and that cost us but so far so good. We have won these games.”
The 28-year-old has made the headlines for a number of unsavoury incidents on and off the pitch over the years but feels his life has changed for the better. Midfielder Lampard believes his team-mate has developed into the best left-back in the world in the last two years and Cole added: “I think I have grown up. I had tough times but I'm happy with my life now.
“I enjoy life outside of football and that's what makes it enjoyable to get up, come here and train every day.
“It is nice for people to say I'm the best left-back. I never said I was the best or one of the best, I just want to keep playing, keep playing well and winning things and let other people talk.
“I'm just here to do a good job for my team. If the manager, players and fans are happy with what I'm doing that's all that matters to me.”
Meanwhile, Andrey Arshavin admits he is partly to blame for Arsenal's faltering title challenge because he has yet to find his best form this season.
Arsenal are now 11 points behind Chelsea and Arshavin, who has scored just once in the last eight games, said: “It doesn't matter where I play, on the right side or the left, I don't think I've played that well. Only sometimes have I shown my full skills and I'm not sure why that is.”
Reader views (8)
Steve and Jim you are funny guys at the end of the day the whole world is revolved around money so if you could do the same job but get another 10k a year you wouldnt take it yeah whatever. Cole is the best ;eft back in the world and thats a fact he showed it on sunday smashing the ball in the box for 2 of the goals. Arsenal came with an attack and failed everytime you got close to the box. you gooners need to wake up you arent going to win nothing with kids you need to go out and buy a couple of people that are proven................ thanks
- Chelsea Headhunter, England, 01/12/2009 16:44
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What's the difference between Arsenal fans booing Cole and Chelsea fans booing Gallas. Haven't Gallas or any of his team mates moan about that!
- Bruce, London, 01/12/2009 16:09
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Jim Ex Pat, bet you wished you still had him! He can be a bit annoying but he is one heck of a player - not many in the game can do what he does at both ends of the pitch.
- Cambers, London, UK, 01/12/2009 15:56
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I think the arsenal fans are showing why Cole was right to pay them so little mind.
- Scotty, London, 01/12/2009 15:45
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How times change.... you lot loved it and rammed it down our throats when our so called captain jumped ship for NOTHING.
Realistically I would empathsise with you but hey what goes around comes around, get on with it.
You lot barracked us cos he was going to a bigger club to win things, maybe, but then again what has Cole done differently. Fickle fans again
- Paul, Enfield, 01/12/2009 15:38
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Fair play to Chelsea they won the game and deserved to,but as far as Ashley Cole goes he is one player who deserves to be booed,he went to school in Highbury a very partisan Arsenal area and played for the local club,the moment he left Arsenal for a little extra money at Chelsea he must have known he was gonna get a load of stick,as a player I think Cole is one of the best left backs in the world after Clichy and Evra,but the way he conducts his self off the pitch shows what a shallow,nasty piece of work he is.No loyalty to any club he plays for which is why Chelski were the perfect choice for this arrogant money grabbing mercenary.
- Jim Ex Pat,Islington N1, thailand, 01/12/2009 12:02
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It is pathetic that any fans should boo a player and, as an Arsenal fa, it is embarrassing that some Gooners act like real mindless Goons and boo Ashley Cole - especially when he and his team play well and Arsenal lose 3-0 at home. The mindless louts who boo are letting their club down.
A bit of sporting generosity would go down well and costs nothing.
- Lester May, London, 01/12/2009 11:33
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What is really sad is that at one time Ashley Cole was really loved & supported by the Arsenal faithful. He soured the relationship with his greed, underhand tactics and biography.
Now, whilst all other ex-Arsenal players get a great welcome and all the perks of having played for the club, he will forever be vilified.
- Steve Hodge, London, 01/12/2009 09:36
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