Thursday 9 February 2017 17:17, UK
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists his side remain in the hunt for the Premier League title despite trailing Chelsea by 12 points heading into this weekend's round of fixtures.
The Gunners suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Blues last Saturday but Wenger has not given up hope of overtaking Antonio Conte's side before the end of the campaign.
"It is never over; we are not to behave like that. Even if you [reporters] think like that, I don't," Wenger said.
"We look at the teams who surround us, we are all in a pack that is very tight and the fight for every position is massive as it has always been in the Premier League - maybe even more so this season."
Arsenal currently occupy fourth position in the table following their defeat at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.
Just five points separates second from sixth in the league and Wenger knows his side face a battle to qualify for next season's Champions League.
"[Top four] is always difficult but maybe even tighter than ever. The way we respond to a disappointing result last Saturday is vital," he said.
"If it is over [title race] for us, then it is over for everyone else because we are in a pack there.
"They [Chelsea] have an advantage - they don't play in Europe, they play for nothing and have no midweek games."
Arsenal return to action against a resurgent Hull City side at the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime, live on Sky Sports.
The Tigers have enjoyed a remarkable upturn in form since the arrival of new boss Marco Silva and have managed to claim four points from their last two league games against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Spanish defender Hector Bellerin faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the match after suffering a collision with Marcos Alonso during the defeat against Chelsea.
"Hector is going through tests every day," Wenger said. "We will only know tomorrow if he gets the green light."
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