ARSENAL squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against West Ham on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard gave the Gunners a comfortable advantage within the first ten minutes of the clash at the London Stadium.
But Mikel Arteta’s side fell on to the back foot before half time and allowed the Hammers to get back into the game.
Said Benrahma converted a penalty at the 33-minute mark before Jarrod Bowen levelled the score with a fantastic strike ten minutes after the break.
Following the match, many fans were quick to claim that Arsenal’s title charge was already over.
However, former Manchester City star Micah Richards believes the result could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners.
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In his column for the Daily Mail, he wrote: “Arsenal fans will not see things this way but what has happened over the last seven days has the potential to work in their team’s favour.
“Put simply, there is now no grey area around next week’s trip to Manchester — they have to get a result.
“Few sides in Premier League history, involved in a title race at this stage of a season, would have given up two points at West Ham, having led 2-0.
“However, it would be crazy if Mikel Arteta’s squad suddenly allowed doubts to consume them after all the outstanding progress they have made this season.
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“Nothing has been decided and they absolutely have the ability to go to the Etihad on April 26 and come away with at least a point.
“It will be the game of the season, I’m convinced of it. There is no room for error for either side and I expect it will lead to fireworks.”
The Gunners threw away another two-goal advantage during their Premier League clash with Liverpool earlier this month.
They have now dropped four points in their last two games.
As a result, their lead at the top of the Premier League table has narrowed to just four points.
Arsenal still have to face Man City, who have a game in-hand, at the Etihad before the end of the campaign.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
