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Arsenal’s title challenge boosted as Chelsea lose main striker

Chelsea remain seven points clear on top of the Premier League table but Jose Mourinho knows the league is still wide open. Arsenal continue to win games, making Chelsea’s race to the title harder than anticipated. In a press conference earlier today, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho confirmed that Diego Costa is injured and will miss the game on Sunday against Queen Park Rangers. He also added that Costa could play only four games out of the remaining eight. These four games begin in May with Chelsea hosting Crystal Palace. In the midfield, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic are both one yellow card away from a two-match suspension, if they get booked on Sunday. When Jose Mourinho was asked if he would rest Fabregas or Matic to avoid that risk he categorically denied. He insisted that both players will start.

With 19 goals, Diego Costa is Chelsea’s top scorer this season and also the league’s top scorer level with Harry Kane. Without Diego Costa, Chelsea have two main back up options in Loic Remy and Didier Drogba. Loic Remy came on for Diego Costa in their last match against Stoke City and played just over 60 minutes. He also scored the winning goal for Chelsea as they took all three points at the Britannia Stadium.

Premier League 2014/15 top scorers:

1. Diego Costa (Chelsea): 19
2. Harry Kane (Tottenham): 19
3. Sergio Aguero (Man City): 17
4. Charlie Austin (QPR): 17
5. Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): 14
6. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal): 14

Can Remy fill the void?

Loic Remy is a proven goal scorer in the Premier League but when compared to Diego Costa, he will have to step up his game. Comparing the stats, it must be noted that Remy has not played all the games this season.

Diego Costa:

Minutes played: 1945
Goals: 19 (Per 90 minutes: 0.88)
Assists: 3 (Per 90 minutes: 0.14)
Chances created: 38 (Per 90 minutes: 1.76)
Passes completed: 77%

Loic Remy:

Minutes played: 486
Goals: 5 (Per 90 minutes: 0.93)
Assists: 0 (Per 90 minutes: 0)
Chances created: 3 (Per 90 minutes: 0.56)
Passes completed: 79%

Arsenal in the title race

Mesut Ozil s brilliance has been key to Arsenal s recent form.

Mesut Ozil’s brilliance has been key to Arsenal’s recent form.
Ronnie Macdonald

Costa’s injury affects Chelsea’s claim to the title as Arsenal will be hosting them at the Emirates stadium on 26th of April. Chelsea will be without their leading goal scorer for that fixture and also for the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 18th of April. Both these games can define the title race. Chelsea are currently leaders with 70 points. Arsenal hold the second spot just seven points behind. Chelsea have a game in hand as well, which could possibly widen the gap. Arsenal are currently playing the best football in the country, if not Europe. Only Barcelona have a better record in 2015 all across Europe’s top five league. Arsenal cannot, however, rely on their own form alone. They will have to hope that Chelsea drop points at the Emirates and elsewhere for them to stand a chance. Also, Arsenal will have to win all their remaining games, which seems quite possible considering the exceptional quality of football played by Arsene Wenger’s side this year. Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez have been scoring goals for Arsenal while the German World Cup star, Mesut Ozil continues to impress.

Arsenal also have to visit Old Trafford in May, which is never an easy fixture. It is quite clear that Manchester United will have a say in who will lift the trophy at the end of the season. As it stands, considering their position in the table and current form, the title race is narrowed down between Chelsea and Arsenal.

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