Arsenal must prove that they are title contenders vs Chelsea: Emmanuel Petit

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has claimed that the club’smatch against Chelsea this evening is a chance to show their true title credentials.

Should Arsenal beat Chelsea, they will return to the top of the Premier League and remain there for Christmas. The last four teams to be top at Christmas went on to win the league.

However, if Arsenal lose, they will move down to fourth place, proving just how important the result is.

“For me, it is vital that Arsenal start to beat the big clubs in the league.

“Yes, they have beaten Liverpool this season, but they have also lost to Manchester United and Manchester City.

“Chelsea are also title contenders, so this is a great chance for Arsenal to show they have the credentials to win the championship.

“The last week has not been a good one for Arsenal. They dropped points at hometo Everton and, although they went through in the Champions League, they were beaten by Napoli, then lost at Manchester City.

“This an opportunity for them to show they have what it takes.

“It is a match that is as important for Chelsea as it is for Arsenal.

“I know they lost in the Capital One Cup at Sunderland last week, but the priorities for them are the Premier League and the Champions League.

“Their manager Jose Mourinho would not have wanted to lose at Sunderland, but the Premier League is far more important to him and Chelsea.”