Is the title really out of reach?

So we are now nine points adrift of Chelsea, and seven of Man United, languishing in third place after two humiliating defeats. The media has written us off again, but is it too soon? I think it just may be.

I hear you shout "he's mad", but hear me out.

Arsene Wenger was not simply full of bravado when stating that we can still win the title, it really is possible.

We have now played the top two at home and away, and we have also played Everton and Aston Villa, both at home and away, traditionally two of our tougher opponents.

We have also played Liverpool, Manchester City and Fulham away, leaving only trips to Tottenham and Birmingham from the top half. Tottenham will undoubtedly be a tough match but we have a good record against them, while Birmingham may be in mid-table security by the time we play them.

As for our home matches, we face Liverpool tonight and Manchester City at the end of the season, but the other games should, on paper, all be winnable.

Contradict our fixtures with Chelsea and you see we may start to close the gap.

Chelsea travel to Everton tonight with other away ties at Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool. So if, for example they were to draw all of these matches we could gain eight points, only one behind. And with home games to Manchester City and Aston Villa ahead, it suddenly looks closer than you would expect.

Manchester United, who have flattered to deceive at times this season, are prone to aberrations such as their defeat at Burnley, which already gives some hope to Arsenal fans.

Add to that the fact that United also face tough fixtures, including trips to Aston Villa tonight, Everton and Manchester City, while they face Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool at home.

Arsenal were admittedly completely outclassed against Chelsea and Manchester United and these teams are better than us head-to-head, but the league is about being the best team over 38 matches and there is still a glimmer of hope that we can make it, but it must start tonight