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EPL: Chelsea Go 4 Points Clear As Arsenal Slump To Stoke

Arsène Wenger admitted that Arsenal’s loss at Stoke City was a “massive setback” as the Gunners fell four points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea. Manager … Continue reading EPL: Chelsea Go 4 Points Clear As Arsenal Slump To Stoke


Andre Schurrle celebrates at Craven Cottage during Chelsea’s defeat of Fulham Photo: AP
Andre Schurrle celebrates at Craven Cottage during Chelsea's defeat of Fulham Photo: AP

Arsène Wenger admitted that Arsenal’s loss at Stoke City was a “massive setback” as the Gunners fell four points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Manager Arsene Wenger had Mesut Ozil back in the squad after injury, but he saw his side beaten by a 76th-minute Jonathan Walters penalty after Laurent Koscielny had been penalised for handball.

And Wenger revealed his concern at the manner of the defeat, although he felt his side were “unlucky” to have been beaten.

“It is a big worry not to win a game like that,” said Wenger, whose side will drop to third in the table if Liverpool win at Southampton. “It’s a massive setback.

“We didn’t produce the performance that we wanted. To win a title, you have to perform when you’re expected to.

“It was a good defensive performance and overall I think we were unlucky to lose this game. Offensively we didn’t create enough. Our offensive game was poor considering our standards. At the end of day we didn’t score.

“I don’t assess our title chances at all. We just have to play well in the next game.”

Meanwhile, an Andre Schurrle hat-trick saw Chelsea stretch their lead in the Premier League on Saturday.

Germany international Schurrle scored three times in 17 minutes during the second-half as Chelsea beat Fulham 3-1 to give Jose Mourinho’s side a four-point lead over their London rivals.

The victory extended Chelsea’s lead to six points over Manchester City, who have two games in hand, while Fulham, who pulled a goal back through Jonny Heitinga, remain four points adrift of safety at the foot of the table.

Manchester City tackle Sunderland in Sunday’s League Cup final.