Roman Abramovich sanctions have key hidden impact on Arsenal and Chelsea in top four race

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government which has had massive ramifications for the football club and could see further negative effects on the club's current season despite the majority of focus on long term uncertainty.

Arsenal would be just two points behind Chelsea in the Premier League should they win their game in hand and still need to travel to Stamford Bridge before the end of the season. Despite the race thought only to be on the fourth spot, the possibility of a third-place finish might begin to enter Mikel Arteta's thoughts.

Yet debate rages of what will be the biggest impact on Chelsea come to the end of season run-in. The Arsenal Way approaches it from very much a rival perspective but still, there is a split in the opinion as to what will be the most damaging aspect for the Blues' possible plight.

The biggest impact for Chelsea’s top-four hopes come the end of the season will certainly be the disconnect from their fans.

Chelsea are no longer allowed to sell tickets, which means only existing season ticket holders will be able to attend matches at Stamford Bridge.

This massively declines the number of fans allowed to attend the games with the number quoted at around 25,000 season ticket holders.

Arsenal will face Chelsea once more when their Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge is rescheduled, and with the game not being in a packed Stamford Bridge, the Gunners will fancy their chances.

Arteta’s side were victorious in an empty Stamford Bridge last season with a 1-0 victory after a fatal Jorginho mistake.

With the Gunners currently sitting five points with a game in hand behind Chelsea, the Blues could be leapfrogged if they lose that game which would certainly damage