The race for the Premier League title has entered its most chaotic phase: with 12 matches left, Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brentford allowed Manchester City to close the gap to four points at the top. As a result, some Chelsea fans have made their position clear: they are willing to sacrifice their own European ambitions if it means keeping the Premier League trophy away from the Emirates Stadium. Several Blues fans exploded on social media after the last round, already targeting Chelsea's match against Manchester City next April, which could be decisive in the title race. For many Chelsea supporters, the prospect of Arsenal winning their first league title since 2004 is a nightmare they desperately want to avoid. Despite Pedro Neto and Dário Essugo's team currently fighting for a Champions League spot (sitting in 5th place), the consensus among a section of fans is that a season in the Europa League is a small price to pay to see Arsenal fail again. The online reaction has been relentless, with fans suggesting that the match in the 32nd round against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge should be a 'free pass' for the former champions. 'This is a game we have to lose, unfortunately. I would prefer a season in the Europa League than to see Arteta lift a championship title.' Others are betting on their own European history to compensate for a possible domestic slip: 'Let City take the Premier League, and we win the Champions League, job done, we move on, and Arsenal cries again.' Some even suggest tactical 'adjustments' in the Chelsea team to ensure Haaland and company leave Stamford Bridge with three points: 'Let's hope the goalkeeper just pulls up a chair and watches Haaland work.' In the first round of the league, Chelsea drew 1-1 at Manchester City, thanks to a goal from Enzo Fernández in the 90+4', thus taking two points away from the Citizens in the title race. It should also be noted that 5th place in the Premier League could grant access to the Champions League next season if England finishes this season in one of the top two spots in the UEFA annual ranking, something that is well on track to happen.
Chelsea Arsenal remains central to this story.
Chelsea Arsenal remains central to this story.
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