Skip to content

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are still in the Premier League title race

Alexis Sanchez and Nacho Monreal celebrate
Image: Arsenal are still in the title race, says boss Arsene Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists his side remain in the hunt for the Premier League title despite trailing Chelsea by 12 points heading into this weekend's round of fixtures.

The Gunners suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Blues last Saturday but Wenger has not given up hope of overtaking Antonio Conte's side before the end of the campaign.

"It is never over; we are not to behave like that. Even if you [reporters] think like that, I don't," Wenger said.

"We look at the teams who surround us, we are all in a pack that is very tight and the fight for every position is massive as it has always been in the Premier League - maybe even more so this season."

Antonio Conte, manager of Chelsea shakes hands with Cesar Azpilicueta after the Premier League match v Arsenal
Image: The Gunners suffered a heavy defeat to league leaders Chelsea last Saturday

Arsenal currently occupy fourth position in the table following their defeat at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.

Just five points separates second from sixth in the league and Wenger knows his side face a battle to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Arsene Wenger sits in the stands at Stamford Bridge while serving his touchline ban
Image: Arsene Wenger sat in the stands at Stamford Bridge while serving his touchline ban

"[Top four] is always difficult but maybe even tighter than ever. The way we respond to a disappointing result last Saturday is vital," he said.

Also See:

"If it is over [title race] for us, then it is over for everyone else because we are in a pack there.

"They [Chelsea] have an advantage - they don't play in Europe, they play for nothing and have no midweek games."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Premier League highlights: Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal

Live Premier League

Arsenal return to action against a resurgent Hull City side at the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime, live on Sky Sports.

The Tigers have enjoyed a remarkable upturn in form since the arrival of new boss Marco Silva and have managed to claim four points from their last two league games against Manchester United and Liverpool.

Marcos Alonso rises above Hector Bellerin to head Chelsea into a 1-0 lead
Image: Hector Bellerin suffered a head injury during Chelsea's win

Spanish defender Hector Bellerin faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the match after suffering a collision with Marcos Alonso during the defeat against Chelsea.

"Hector is going through tests every day," Wenger said. "We will only know tomorrow if he gets the green light."

'If they lose, I couldn't see him staying'
'If they lose, I couldn't see him staying'

Find out what Paul Merson is predicting for Arsenal's Sky Live clash against Hull on Saturday...

Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass and watch Arsenal v Hull for just £6.99. No contract.

Around Sky