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Chelsea's Champions League hopes in doubt after poor run of form, admits Willian

Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters

Chelsea winger Willian has warned his team-mates they risk slipping out of the Premier League’s top four if they do not pick up their form.

The Blues had looked on course to beat Arsenal on Tuesday night when the Gunners were reduced to 10 men inside 30 minutes after David Luiz was sent off and Jorginho scored a penalty.

Arsenal, however, twice hit back to draw 2-2 as Gabriel Martinelli cancelled out Jorginho’s opener and then Hector Bellerin equalised after Cesar Azpilicueta had restored Chelsea’s lead in the 84th minute.

A point means Frank Lampard’s side extend their lead over fifth-placed Manchester United, but United can reduce the gap to three points with victory over Burnley on Wednesday and Willian has warned his team-mates to not take their foot off the gas in the race for Champions League qualification.

“We have to see what we can improve. We have to improve at home, and we have to be more stable, win more games,” said the Brazilian.

“To stay in the top four we have to win games, so now is the time to see which part of the game we have to improve.

“I think we have to be careful. If we don’t then maybe at the end of the season we will be out of the top four. We have time, we have a six-point gap, so now it is time to improve.”

Chelsea have impressed for the majority under Lampard, particularly given the club's summer transfer ban.

Their recent form, however, has given other sides hope in the race to finish in the top four as Chelsea have won one of their four League games since the turn of the year.

Tuesday’s draw came off the back of a late loss to Newcastle United at the weekend and Willian admitted the side must learn from their mistakes.

“We almost had one point against Newcastle, but we lost, and today we almost took three points, but we drew,” said the winger.

“We played well, but we had difficulties trying to press them when we were 1-0 up. In the second half we controlled the game until we conceded the goal, and then we fought again for a second goal, and we did it.

“But then we concede the second goal, and that cannot happen. So now we have to learn from these mistakes because if you want to stay at the top, we have to learn.

“At that moment when it was 2-1 and Tammy [Abraham] was on the floor and then we have to put the ball out. But we continued to play. We have to learn from these situations, because this cannot happen any more.”

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