The mood is unsurprisingly low behind the scenes at Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Chelsea.
As things stand, the Gunners are very much on the back foot as far as the title race is concerned, having suffered some poor form in recent weeks.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side have the opportunity to make up some ground on Manchester City when they travel to Stamford Bridge later today, as the reigning Premier League champions were beaten by Brighton on Saturday.
Regardless of results elsewhere, though, Arsenal need to be fully focused on the task facing them in West London. Thierry Henry is concerned about Arsenal’s away form, and for good reason. The Gunners need to turn a corner against the Blues to keep their campaign alive.
Declan Rice lifts lid on Arsenal mood in training
Declan Rice is well aware of the importance of this fixture. He and his teammates have felt the pain of recent results going against them.
Speaking to Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg recently, as quoted by the club’s official website, the England international midfielder admitted that the poor form has affected the squad.
Rice said: “Football is a sport that can make you so happy, so sad, angry… this is Arsenal Football Club and to not win football matches consecutively is going to cause upset. That happens with the players as well.
“We’re obviously not happy with the recent results, but the feeling is still so positive. If you invited fans to come and see how we’re training, nothing’s changed from what it was last season. We’re playing against really good teams and we’ve not been at our best as well.”
Rice is aware that Arsenal have been the architects of their own downfall at times this season, too.
Certainly, Arteta’s side’s poor disciplinary record has created extra problems, whilst their lack of killer instinct in the final third has seen results slip away from them at times, too.
Rice is adamant that this must all change against Chelsea.
He added: “After the international break it started with us killing ourselves with another red card, giving ourselves a mountain to climb against Bournemouth, who are a very good team with very good players.
“We drew to Liverpool, I thought we were very good in that game, could’ve been better in the second half. Obviously we lost to Newcastle last week which wasn’t a good performance, but like I said we’re still so positive because we know what we can do.
“We know how we can hurt teams. I think the togetherness in this group is amazing. Now, with a big one coming on Sunday, it gives us a chance to see where we’re really at.”
How important is it that Arsenal beat Chelsea?
Arsenal were expected to compete for the Premier League title this season. Whilst they are still in the race, they are now hanging on in there by a thread.
As things stand, Liverpool are storming ahead out in front of the rest of the pack on their own. The Gunners need to start eating into the Reds’ advantage now, starting with a win at Stamford Bridge.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 28 |
| 2 |  Man CityManchester City | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 13 | 9 | 23 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 19 |
| 4 |  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
| 5 |  ChelseaChelsea | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 18 |
| 6 |  ArsenalArsenal | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 18 |
| 7 |  FulhamFulham | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 18 |
| 8 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 18 |
| 9 |  TottenhamTottenham | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 11 | 11 | 16 |
Henry believes Arsenal must beat Chelsea to keep their title dream alive. The club’s entire campaign, and even Arteta’s future as Arsenal manager could hinge on beating Chelsea.
The players will feel this pressure, and need to prove that they can withstand it. Rice is desperate to win trophies with Arsenal this season, and how he and his teammates perform this afternoon will provide an indication as to whether or not they are truly ready to compete for silverware.
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