Former England, Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen is expecting Arsenal to suffer a fourth consecutive defeat on Wednesday evening.
The 42-year-old, who is the only Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or this century, has been giving his predictions ahead of tonight’s London derby between Chelsea and the Gunners, a game that will have big implications on the race for the European places.
Thomas Tuchel’s side currently sit third and would move 11 points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal with a win tonight which would put them in a very strong position to seal Champions League football for next season. Mikel Arteta’s side meanwhile have lost each of their last three games against Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton and sit three points off fourth place Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge, Owen admits that Chelsea’s recent form, that included a 3-2 win over Real Madrid eight days ago, has got them playing at their highest levels, making it too much for Arsenal to contend with.
“Chelsea look back to their best,” Owen told BetVictor. “They had a dip in form, but the last few performances have been much better. 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.
“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 (Pierre-Emerick) 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.”
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Arsenal had been in the driving seat for fourth place when beating Aston Villa 1-0 on March 19. That result put them four points clear in fourth and with a game in hand over Spurs.
Three defeats in a row however have put Arsenal’s chances of a top four finish in jeopardy. But a return to winning ways at Stamford Bridge tonight would see Arsenal go level with Tottenham with both having six games left to play after the tie in the capital.
Chelsea seem set to finish in third place with their only chance of silverware this season coming in the FA Cup when they face Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium next month.
The final between the Blues and Jurgen Klopp’s side will be a repeat of February’s Carabao Cup final between the two. That day, after the game ended 0-0 after extra-time, Liverpool won 11-10 on penalties.
Arsenal’s final seven fixtures are a challenging run, which each of their next three games coming against top seven sides in Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham United, as well as a trip to Tottenham next month.
Their other three games include meetings with Leeds United, Newcastle United and an Everton side trying to steer clear of relegation.
