Sarri says Chelsea is hoping to drag Tottenham into top-four race

The Blues boss is keen to see their gap close on their fiercest rivals after their recent slump in form over the past fortnight.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is aiming to close the gap on Tottenham to draw them into a battle with his side, Arsenal, and Manchester United for third and fourth place.

Tottenham drew Arsenal 1-1 in the North London derby at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, giving sixth-place Chelsea the chance to close the gap on third-place Spurs to five points with a win over relegation strugglers Fulham on Sunday. 

Sarri has been under pressure in recent weeks, but back-to-back strong performances against Manchester City and Tottenham has halted talk of the Italian losing his job imminently.

The Blues' main aim is to qualify for the Champions League this season and Sarri would welcome Mauricio Pochettino's side being dragged into a four-team scrap for the final two places, with Liverpool and Man City having created separation atop the table.