Michael Owen predicts Chelsea vs Arsenal result - "it won't be enough"

Former England, Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen is expecting Arsenal to suffer a fourth consecutive defeat on Wednesday evening.

The 42-year-old, who is the only Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or this century, has been giving his predictions ahead of tonight’s London derby between Chelsea and the Gunners, a game that will have big implications on the race for the European places.

Thomas Tuchel’s side currently sit third and would move 11 points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal with a win tonight which would put them in a very strong position to seal Champions League football for next season. Mikel Arteta’s side meanwhile have lost each of their last three games against Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton and sit three points off fourth place Tottenham Hotspur.

Speaking ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge, Owen admits that Chelsea’s recent form, that included a 3-2 win over Real Madrid eight days ago, has got them playing at their highest levels, making it too much for Arsenal to contend with.

“Chelsea look back to their best,” Owen told BetVictor. “They had a dip in form, but the last few performances have been much better. I wouldn’t say they were at their absolute best against Palace, but they controlled the game and made it look like a routine win. I loved Mason Mount’s goal, a brilliant touch and finish inside the box.

“The pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. After Spurs dropped points earlier, to lose away to Southampton was a disaster. That’s now three defeats in a row. The glaring worry is the lack of goals, could letting (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang leave in January come back to haunt them? I have to fancy Chelsea here. I think we’ll see an improved performance from