Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Chelsea: 5 things we learned – What. A. Game.

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 03: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED – COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES – Image numbers (L) 889346808 and 861285074) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal (L) and Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea. Arsenal and Chelsea meet in a Premier League match on January 3, 2017 at the Emirates Stadium in London,England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 10: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks dejected after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on October 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED – COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES – Image numbers (L) 889346808 and 861285074) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal (L) and Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea. Arsenal and Chelsea meet in a Premier League match on January 3, 2017 at the Emirates Stadium in London,England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 10: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks dejected after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on October 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

1. Top-four race is still on

Entering Wednesday’s match, after wins for Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United throughout the festive period, Arsenal found themselves with some substantial ground to make up in the race for the top four.

They were, for example, seven points behind their visitors before the 2-2 draw. They are, obviously, still seven points behind Chelsea. The gap to the top four is now five points. Spurs are now a point above them with a game in-hand. Arsene Wenger’s side are not in a strong position. At all.

But at least they are not out of the top-four race. Had they lost to Chelsea, then a bleak situation would only be bleaker. They now have the nice distraction of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup semi-finals to focus on. The Premier League, though, will still rumble on.

Next: Arsenal Vs Chelsea: Player ratings

Qualification for the Champions League does not look all that probable. There is a lot of work to do. But at least there is work to do, because this could have been the end of their top-four hopes. Arsenal have Hector Bellerin and Alvaro Morata to thank for that. They must not squander their opportunity.