After a match you always feel deflated and today was no different. I’m forever the optimist but even now I’m starting to think our title charge may be coming to an end.

This now places more emphasis on the FA cup meaning Arsene Wenger will now have to field his strongest 11.

Controversy

It was a match full of controversy and the referee should be ashamed of his overall performance. I’m not one to blame referees but Mike Jones was poor and consistently made the wrong decision. The penalty was harsh in my opinion as Koscielny was a foot away and was judged to deliberate handball.

However, the two biggest mistakes by Mike Jones were missing the challenges from Charlie Adam which were deliberate and he intended to hurt Olivier Giroud. The first Giroud was challenged and Adam came through making contact above the shin after the ball had gone.

The worst thing about this decision was that the referee gave Stoke the free kick.  The next Giroud was challenged again and then Adam deliberately stamped on Giroud when stepping over him both straight reds both was unpunished.

What Now?

In my opinion the Chelsea game is a must win or else they could possibly be 7 points behind and I can’t see Chelsea letting that slip.  Tomorrow it may look different but the last message is C’mon Arsenal!!!!

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