Everybody thought Arsene Wenger was mad when he insisted Arsenal were still in the title race despite falling nine points behind after their 2-0 defeat at Chelsea in February.

But with eight games left, the Gunners stand a good chance of upsetting the odds and ousting the Blues and Manchester United for the Premier League crown.

 

It would be an astonishing achievement if they pull it off, considering the only two good teams they have played this season have given them an absolute hiding and ruthlessly exposed their frailties.

They were virtually given a bye to the Champions League quarter-finals so it’s difficult to assess how good they actually are at the moment. And unlike winners in the past, this year’s Premier League may not be decided by records against the big four but consistency over the teams outside it.

United and Chelsea have dropped a lot of points at places like Burnley and Wigan and its opened the door for the Gunners – and taking into account they have got their most difficult fixtures out of the way - they will be feeling quietly confident.

That was a fact Wenger alluded to when he made a case for his side’s title credentials but considering the gulf in class it seemed the Frenchman was clutching at straws.

But with some improved performances, especially from Dane Nicklas Bendtner, Arsenal will believe they can do it and have a favourable run-in.

It can be dangerous looking too far ahead at fixture lists as nobody expected United to get beat at Turf Moor or Chelsea to lose at the DW Stadum earlier in the season.

There is no margin for error from now on but what looked impossible just a few weeks ago looks a distinct possibility.