Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright has cast serious doubts on Chelsea’s top-four hopes following their disappointing 1-0 defeat to the Gunners on Sunday.

“I watched Chelsea against Arsenal and I thought they were really poor in every aspect,” Wright said in his post-match analysis.

“Obviously, they’re very much missing Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson and obviously, Cole Palmer didn’t play.

“They haven’t got anyone to stretch the team or anyone to control the game so as you can pass to these players who were doing so well at the start of the season.

“They didn’t look like they were going to score yesterday and there’s no way you can be confident as a defender playing in front of Robert Sanchez.

“There’s no way sitting here right now I can see a scenario as to how they are going to do it [get in the top four].

“For me, if I’m Newcastle or Bournemouth or Brighton or anybody, I’m thinking this is the best chance we’ll have because I don’t think Chelsea will make it.”

Despite Wright’s doubts, Chelsea remain in the race for the Champions League spots, currently clinging to fourth place with just nine games remaining. However, six teams are within five points of the Blues, making the battle for a top-four finish incredibly tight.

A fifth-place finish could still be enough for Champions League qualification, but Enzo Maresca’s side must rediscover their form quickly if they are to silence their critics and prove Wright wrong.