Laurent Koscielny has attempted to explain the difference between Arsenal and Chelsea after the Gunners slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte’s side extended their lead over Arsenal with the win which looks to have ended the Gunners’ title hopes.
The defeat follows the midweek loss to Watford and Koscielny says his team failed to take the chances presented to them.
“I think we had a good reaction but Chelsea played well and they scored with their first opportunity during the first half,” he told the official Arsenal website.
“After, we had some opportunities to score too, but we didn’t [take them] – that is the difference between us and them.
“In the second half we tried to come back because we knew this game was very important for the race for the title.
“We needed to have the three points, first because it’s our direct opponent and second because we lost against Watford on Tuesday.”
Koscielny also admitted the squad were downhearted but urged them to bounce back with Hull City the next visitors to the Emirates.
“We are disappointed tonight but we need to come back stronger, to play and to win. The confidence is a little bit down but with a win it will come back quickly,” he added.
“We need to work together to stay like a unit, like a squad. During the season we’ve had some bad moments but we need to stay confident and show our quality.”
While Arsenal did indeed have chances against Chelsea, they certainly lack the ruthlessness the Blues have displayed all season and also the defensive solidity upon which Antonio Conte’s side have built their title challenge.