Rio Ferdinand believes things are set to get worse for Arsenal in this season’s race for the top four ahead of a crucial couple of games.
The Gunners have suffered a nightmare few weeks in their pursuit of fourth. Having led the way in the race ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham, Mike Arteta’s side now find themselves lagging behind after three straight defeats.
Having looked well set to claim the coveted final Champions League spot, Arsenal now find themselves three points off the pace, having lost to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton in successive weeks. Their slip-ups have helped bring United back into the running for fourth, while Spurs now hold a three-point advantage over their north London rivals.
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And things don’t get any easier for the Gunners. Arteta’s side play their one remaining game in hand on Tottenham on Wednesday as they head to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.
The Blues will be riding high after booking their place in the FA Cup final on Sunday, having beaten Palace at Wembley. And United legend Ferdinand has predicted Thomas Tuchel’s side will pile on more misery for the Gunners this week.
“Chelsea have got Arsenal… Massive game,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel. “Can Arsenal turn it around? I don’t know, it’s been a bad couple of games for them.
“Chelsea look to be back in form, got themselves in the final. Wow, I don’t see Arsenal getting a result there.”
The Gunners’ trip to Chelsea forms part of what could be a pivotal week in the race for fourth. After their trip to Stamford Bridge, Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, where they host United in a crucial encounter — with both sides knowing defeat could all-but end their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
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