Arsenal followers have been hoping this was going to be their season after pushing Manchester Metropolis shut in every of the previous two campaigns.
And with Metropolis faltering – on the again of 4 consecutive defeats in all competitions – this may need been their splendid likelihood.
However Liverpool are performing higher than anybody may have imagined underneath new boss Arne Slot, with 28 factors out of a potential 33.
And the Gunners path the leaders by 9 factors on the finish of a weekend for the primary time because the closing day of 2021-22, after they completed 24 factors behind Manchester Metropolis.
They seemed dejected as the ultimate whistle went at Stamford Bridge.
Walcott mentioned: “The distinction with Arsenal at this second in time is that they’re missing in targets, whereas they aren’t conceding many – however at this level of the season it is essential to think about who they’ve performed.
“I might say that, to this point, they’ve performed more durable groups – they’ve performed six of final season’s high 10, and 5 of these video games have been away from residence.
“Plus, more often than not they’ve been with out their principal participant, Martin Odegaard, and they’re nonetheless the place they’re.”
Captain Odegaard made his first Premier League look since August towards Chelsea and arrange Gabriel Martinelli’s opening purpose.
Walcott added: “Folks are likely to neglect all of that after they look into how Arsenal should not taking part in on the similar stage they have been finally 12 months, however for me it is likely one of the causes to not write them off within the title race.”
Gunners legend Paul Merson, talking on Sky Sports activities, mentioned: “He [Arteta] has acquired to ensure it will get down to 6 factors relatively than go to 12.
“I believe they will do properly to catch Liverpool now. It would keep at 9 till the tip of December. If it goes to 12 then it is completed.”
Can Arsenal do it? Nicely, historical past shouldn’t be on their facet.
Excluding groups with video games in hand, no person has ever received the Premier League title after being 9 (or extra) factors off high with 11 video games gone.
Manchester Metropolis managed it in 2013-14 however leaders Arsenal had performed 12 video games by that stage.
Talking about his title rivals, Arteta mentioned his staff must “win, win, win, win and win, as a result of these guys do not cease profitable”.
In the event that they have been to win each remaining recreation this season they’d finish on 100 factors, with Liverpool’s present kind placing them heading in the right direction for 97 factors.
