Petr Cech upbeat on Arsenal's title hopes despite Chelsea loss
Monday 25 January 2016 12:20, UK
Petr Cech believes Arsenal can make up for their defeat to Chelsea in forthcoming Premier League games against Southampton and Leicester.
Arsene Wenger's team lost ground on new leaders Leicester as they dropped from first to third in the table over the weekend.
Diego Costa's goal gave Chelsea a 1-0 win at the Emirates and the result means Manchester City are also ahead of Arsenal now following their 2-2 draw at West Ham.
Tottenham's 3-1 win in another London derby at Crystal Palace means they can also claim to be in the title race given they now sit just two points behind Wenger's side.
Yet Cech remains confident and although they are on FA Cup duty next against Burnley, he has an eye on the games that follow and how they might shape the remainder of the season.
The goalkeeper told arsenal.com: "We are only three points off the lead and have Leicester and Southampton at home coming up.
"They are difficult games but if we can keep winning our games, we can go back to the top."
Arsenal are bidding for a first title since 2004, a championship won before they moved out of their previous home at Highbury.
The defeat to Chelsea was an obvious setback and their case was not helped by the dismissal of Per Mertesacker after just 18 minutes.
Midfielder Mathieu Flamini admits to being irritated by the final outcome, Arsenal's fifth reverse of the Premier League campaign and second against Chelsea.
He added: "We are fighting for the title and it is frustrating. We gave it everything and it was not easy against 11 men, but what can I say?
"It is a long run and we still have to fight and move forward. It is only a game but [losing to Chelsea] is frustrating and a disappointment."
