Amazingly, defeat against Manchester United was our first Premier League game since beating Leicester City.

It really goes to show how everything is on the line every time we play this season. The title race is incredibly close, and we lost ground to our two nearest rivals as they won at the weekend.

However, hot-headed reactions aside, the race is wide open and nobody has managed to grasp it yet. A win against Swansea City on Wednesday is a must, and it will put us right back in the middle of it.

Press Conference

Arsène Wenger’s press conference on Tuesday was a defiant one, with the boss telling people not to pay attention to the “emotional” responses to the defeat at the weekend. Arsenal weren’t good but, as ever, the manager is eager to look for the positives.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks dejected during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Me too, Arsène. Me too. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Two defeats in a row have seen the Gunners turned on by much of the media, but Wenger wants it to strengthen the solidarity of his squad as he looks to get them up for another huge match.

Team News

There were no injuries on Sunday, so the same players will be available once again.

Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez has had his form criticised, while Danny Welbeck is unexpected to be ready for another start in such a short amount of time. He’s our only in-form forward right now, but has had 10 months on the sidelines.

Mohamed Elneny could push for a first Premier League start, while Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud will hope to go back into the side. Joel Campbell and Alex Iwobi are outside shouts for a start.

Possible XI: Čech; Bellerín, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey; Campbell, Özil, Alexis; Giroud.

The Opposition

Swansea City may have lost their last two games, but they look much better side than before Francesco Guidolin took over. The Italian has the players looking more organised and disciplined than under Garry Monk, and they won’t be easy to beat.

SWANSEA, WALES - FEBRUARY 13: Francesco Guidolin, Manager of Swansea City gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Southampton at Liberty Stadium on February 13, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)
Guidolin is the man tasked with keeping Swansea in the Premier League. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

The longer this one goes on, the more trouble Arsenal could find themselves in. Just three points above the relegation zone, Swansea know every point counts.

Possible XI: Fabianski; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Cork, Britton, Ki; Ayew, Sigurdsson; Paloschi.

Win

I’ll keep this short, I guess. Arsenal have to respond with a win on Wednesday or the team can kiss the title race goodbye. There’s not much more to add.