Debate: can Arsenal take title race down to the wire?
Posted Friday, February 12, 2010 by theguardian.com
Arsenal's ambitions of landing a first Premier League title since 2004 have been lifted following Chelsea and Manchester United's midweek slip-ups. But have Arsene Wenger's side got what it takes to overhaul their rivals and finish top of the pile?
Full steam ahead: Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal can take title race down to a nail-biting finale
After back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Chelsea and a draw against Aston Villa, TV pundits and the media were quick to write off Arsenal as genuine title contenders.
Wenger kept believing. Heading into Wednesday night's contest with Liverpool, Arsenal were nine points adrift of league leaders Chelsea with 13 games to play and Michael Ballack taunting his rivals claiming United were their only threat to their hopes of winning a third title in six years.
Ballack's remarks may be premature given the latest twist in the title race. Chelsea's shock 2-1 defeat to Everton coupled with United's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa and Arsenal's 1-0 win over Liverpool leave Wenger's side six points off top spot and having played all of the 'Big Four' home and away this season.
Six points is still a huge deficit to overturn, but Arsenal could not have an easier run of seven games over the coming six weeks as they face Sunderland, Stoke, Burnley, Hull, West Ham, Birmingham and Wolves.
Chelsea, meanwhile, still have to travel to Old Trafford on April 3 and have a tricky trip to Anfield in their penultimate fixture on May 1.
United could hit a stumbling block with the visit of Liverpool on March 21 and have the small matter of the Manchester derby at Eastlands on April 17.
Injuries to Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas have hindered Arsenal's challenge at key moments of the season. But does Wenger's side have the mental and physical game as well as the resources to sustain their title charge?
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