I do not want to think too much about what a Chelsea win over Arsenal tomorrow would mean to Arsene Wenger and the players, but I think we have to. Of course we fans of Arsenal try to remain positive and upbeat ahead of a massive game like this, just as we want the players to, but we cannot ignore the realities of the current situation in the Premier League.
Reading an interview with the former Arsenal star and invincible Robert Pires reported in fourfourtwo today, I could not help but agree with the Frenchman’s pessimistic prediction about what a defeat at Stamford Bridge would mean to Arsenal.
Pires said, “It will be very difficult after the last game that we lost against Watford. It was terrible. We have another chance next Saturday. For me this is a big final for the Premier League. If Chelsea beat Arsenal I think the Premier League is done.
“Chelsea play very well, they are a very good team, very compact. They have the Italian philosophy, they play together.
“They are maybe stronger but we need to believe in this opportunity. I think this is the last opportunity.”
Not many people would argue about a Chelsea win spelling the end of our title challenge as it would put them 12 points ahead of us and get one of their potential stumbling blocks out of the way and give them a massive boost of confidence.
At the same time, I worry about the effect it could have on the Gunners. Would the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez still put in the full effort knowing that the title was out of reach? Would the blow to our own morale have such an effect that Arsenal would then be really up against it in the fight for a top four spot?
D.N.