The 30-year-old France defender made the most of an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Petr Cech to head in what proved to be the only goal of a fiery encounter during first-half stoppage time at Emirates Stadium yesterday.

While Gallas clearly revelled in the moment as he celebrated in front of the Arsenal fans, the veteran centre-back insists he is not one to dwell on the past.

As part of the deal which took Ashley Cole - who came in for plenty of abuse on a first return to his old club yesterday - to Stamford Bridge, Gallas moved across London to join Arsene Wenger's squad as the transfer window closed in August 2006.

The Frenchman did not part company with Chelsea on the best of terms, with the club claiming Gallas had threatened to score an own goal if he was selected and that he refused to play in a dispute over a new deal after failing to report for a pre-season tour of America - declaring the player was "hawking himself to the highest bidder".

Plenty of water has passed under the bridge since then, however, with the centre-back now fully focused on the challenges ahead in his leadership role with a young Arsenal team rather than what happened 18 months ago.

"It was not easy for me playing against my ex team," said Gallas.

"You are not the same because I spent six years there and it was a little bit strange for me."

Gallas declared: "Before I went on the pitch I said to myself, 'I have to play well'. That's it. It is not revenge for me. For me, it is the past.

"What they did and what they said is behind me. That is it.

"Now I am with my new team and I just want to give everything for my team and my club and win the trophies."

Gallas did not play in the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge last season because of injury.

However, the former Blues defender is expecting a torrid time when he eventually does make the journey back to west London, with Arsenal set to travel there at the end of March.

Gallas quipped: "I will have to see what is it like when I go back to Stamford Bridge - maybe they will boo me because they do not know the story. But you have to be strong."

There was plenty of determination on display from the Gunners yesterday, with little quarter given by either side in a match which yielded some nine cautions from referee Alan Wiley.

The hard-fought victory moved Arsenal back to the top of the table following Manchester United's win at Liverpool earlier in the day.

The Gunners may have opened up a six-point lead over Chelsea, but Gallas is not about to write off the title chances of his old club just yet.

"We are not sure because the season is long," reflected the Arsenal captain.

"You never know sometimes because the teams can be tired and lose some points.

"Manchester United can lose some points. We can lose some points. Chelsea can come back, Liverpool as well. For them it is not over."

The Gunners captain added: "It can't be said that it is between Man United and Arsenal."

Wenger is, meanwhile, expected to rest some of his battle-weary troops for tomorrow night's Carling Cup quarter-final at Blackburn.

Theo Walcott could be back in contention having missed the Chelsea game because of a knee problem.

However, winger Emmanuel Eboue looks set to face a spell on the sidelines having suffered a ligament injury during the second half.

Young Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner - who came off the bench as a late substitute against the Blues - is likely to lead the attack.

Croatia forward Eduardo netted a brace in the last round and is also expected to feature at Ewood Park along with Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.