Arsenal host Chelsea today (Jan 19) in a crucial clash at the Emirates Stadium knowing a defeat to them would leave them nine points adrift of the Champions League places.
Unai Emery has warned his players that losing to bitter rivals Chelsea in a game that would end their hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.
After a 22-game unbeaten run earlier this season, Arsenal struggled over the festive period and lost at West Ham last weekend.
Emery’s men could kick off in sixth place if Manchester United get a positive result against Brighton earlier in the day.
United were 12 points behind Arsenal when Jose Mourinho was sacked in mid-December and that shows how much the north Londoners’ form has slipped of late.
Emery feels a defeat to Chelsea, would spell the end of any hopes of a first top-four finish in three years.
“We had a big challenge against West Ham. And the reason is because we spoke about playing under pressure, which we have to do if we are to be competitive, and take this opportunity. It is a big ambition of ours to do that. After our loss to West Ham it is a big difference to be six points behind Chelsea instead of three points behind. But the next match is against Chelsea and the opportunity we have is not the same, but if we win we have the opportunity to be closer to them,” he said.
