Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and midfielder Patrick Vieira said on Thursday they did not fear big-spenders Chelsea in the English premier league title race.

"The 'Blues' are one of the favourites of the league this season, at least on paper," said Vieira who is preparing for France's next two Euro 2004 Group One qualifying games against Cyprus and Slovenia.

"They have signed several top-notch players like (Juan Sebastian) Veron, (Hernan) Crespo and (Claude) Makelele and they look like one of the big sides in Europe.

"But so far, it's just on paper."

Chelsea made the newspaper front pages throughout the off-season with an aggressive transfer market strategy, with the London club's owner, Russian oil tycoon Roman Abramovich, spending 110 million pounds ($173 million) on players in an effort to add to their first, and only, title since 1955.

However, Abramovich's spending spree has not seemed to have impressed the Arsenal players, who have been locked in a battle with Manchester United for the title over the last five years.

"Yes they are (contenders) but like any other side," said Henry. "I couldn't care less about the recruitment they made. It's not my problem."

Arsene Wenger's side snatched their fourth consecutive victory with a 2-1 win over Manchester City 2-1 last weekend and top the premier league table on a maximum of 12 points.

Vieira said he had been surprised by his side's early-season form, that has them three points ahead of Manchester United.

"The only thing I can say is that it's the first time since I've played for Arsenal that we won our first four games of the season," said Vieira.

"It surprises me a little bit because many players like Henry, Pires and Wiltord played in the Confederation Cup and I'm just recovering from an injury.

"So we are not at our best yet."

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