Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs West Brom: 5 things we learned – Mesut Ozil: Where art thou?

By Andrew Dowdeswell

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as his free kick deflects off James McClean of West Bromwich Albion for their first goal during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal at The Hawthorns on December 31, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as his free kick deflects off James McClean of West Bromwich Albion for their first goal during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal at The Hawthorns on December 31, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Gary Cahill of Chelsea and Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea shake hands after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on December 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Gary Cahill of Chelsea and Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea shake hands after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on December 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

1. Chelsea game is massive

The title is long gone. Manchester City’s unbeaten record has taken care of that. But, in all honesty, the title was never a realistic aim for Arsenal anyway. It was more an if-all-goes-well type wish. It certainly wasn’t an expectation. But challenging for the top four was.

After the draw with West Brom, Arsenal now sit in fifth position. They are one point ahead of Spurs, who have a game in hand, and are three points behind Liverpool, who are in fourth. They are at risk of being cut adrift. And now they welcome second-placed Chelsea to the Emirates, who are coming off a five-goal dismantling of Stoke City and with a rested Eden Hazard.

Chelsea are already seven points clear of Arsenal. Win, and that gap extends to 10. If that happens, then Arsenal can wave goodbye to two of the top four positions that they are fighting for.

Next: Arsenal Vs West Brom: Player ratings

Champions League qualification is what the Gunners should be fighting for. If they are to do that, then they must find a way to beat Chelsea. This game is absolutely massive.