Arsenal find themselves nine points adrift of league leaders Chelsea after back-to-back defeats.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Premier League Daily programme today, former Gunners star Nigel Winterburn highlighted the need for Arsenal to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, if they want to mount a sustained challenge for the title this season.
Arsene Wenger’s men have lost two consecutive league matches, after taking the lead in both games, and once again, their character and commitment that has been called into question, with several of their star names failing to assert themselves at pivotal moments in the season.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
And Winterburn, who made 591 appearances for Arsenal during a 13-year spell with the club, outlined what his former side need to do over the next five games, if they are token pace with league leaders Chelsea, when speaking to Sky Sports:
“They now need to get back to top winning form. Over the next five games, the maximum points they can drop is two. I’m thinking about the way the other teams are going to go, because Chelsea at the moment are running away with it because of their splendid form. So Arsenal have got to make sure they stay in touch. I suggest the gap has got to close over the next five games.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Arsenal actually have a fantastic opportunity to string together a run of victories now, with four of their next six games coming at the Emirates, and the average league position of their next six opponents being 13.66.
But whether or not Wenger’s men have the mental capacity to bounce back form their recent setbacks will be key in determining their chances of success this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
