Arsenal handed brutal two-word Chelsea prediction after Inter defeat and Newcastle blow

Arsenal have been told Sunday's Premier League clash away at Chelsea is a must-win game if they're to keep the pace in the title race.

It's been a challenging couple of weeks for Mikel Arteta 's side as their defeat against Bournemouth prior to the last international break was followed by a 2-2 draw at home to current leaders Liverpool. After then picking up a win against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup, they were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United in their last league outing.

On Wednesday night, they also suffered a narrow defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League, which places them 12th in the league phase standings. Domestically, they are fifth in the table behind Liverpool, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea, while they are currently seven points off top spot.

Things don't get much easier in the Premier League, however, as they are set to face Enzo Maresca 's Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend. According to legendary broadcaster Jeff Stelling, speaking as part of his predictions for talkSPORT, Aresenal are now at a point where they cannot afford to drop any more points in the title race.

“Now, are Arsenal already at the must-win stage of the season if they are going to be involved in the title race? I think the answer to that is probably yes," the former Sky Sports presenter said.

"They’ve just lacked any sort of spark in their last couple of away games. Not only losing both, but not scored a goal. They’ve only managed two shots on target in that time - simply not good enough, my word, how they have missed Martin Odegaard.

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"They do though have a good recent record against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, they have not lost there since 2018. Chelsea are oh so easy on the eye, particularly Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia in that midfield, but defensively there are question marks still.

"They concede far too many goals, the goalkeeper is slightly suspect for my money as well. I don’t see Arsenal losing this one but I don’t see them getting the win they probably need. I am going with Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal.”

Chelsea's strong start to the season places them fourth in the table, ahead of Arsenal in goal difference. Since Maresca's arrival over the summer, they have won five of their 10 league matches so far, drawn three and lost two.

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