Michael Owen says that Arsenal's decision to let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave the club in January could prove costly in the Mikel Arteta's quest for a place in the Champions League places. The Gunners ' defeat to Southampton at the weekend has seen them drop to sixth in the Premier League table, one point behind Manchester United and three points behind Spurs, having a game in hand on both sides.
Meanwhile, the Blues reached their sixth final under Thomas Tuchel after beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount setting up another final with Liverpool in May. And with Chelsea's recent upturn in results and performances, the former Liverpool striker offered his prediction prior to the game at Stamford Bridge.
Owen says the Blues are back on top form and that the Gunners could be be in trouble after an awful run recently. "Chelsea look back to their best. They had a dip in form, but the last few performances have been much better," Owen told BetVictor.
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"I wouldn’t say they were at their absolute best against Palace, but they controlled the game and made it look like a routine win. I loved Mason Mount’s goal, a brilliant touch and finish inside the box."
But when coming to assess Arsenal's chances at Stamford Bridge, the 42-year-old was quick to pinpoint the current problem within the Gunners squad, insisting letting one of their star players leave in January could prove costly.
"The pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. After Spurs dropped points earlier, to lose away to Southampton was a disaster.
"That’s now three defeats in a row. The glaring worry is the lack of goals, could letting Aubameyang leave in January come back to haunt them?
"I have to fancy Chelsea here. I think we’ll see an improved performance from Arsenal, but it won’t be enough. 2-1 Chelsea."
