Cech: Defeat to Hornets ‘huge setback’ to Arsenal title hopes

Petr Cech admits Arsenal suffered a “huge setback” ahead of their crunch meeting with Chelsea as Watford left the Emirates Stadium with all three points on Tuesday night.

A tough trip to face Antonio Conte’s Blues is next up, with a defeat at Stamford Bridge not only meaning Arsenal would be 12 points adrift of the summit but also with the possibility of being outside of the top four.

Cech, who won four league titles during his time at Chelsea, was beaten twice in the opening 13 minutes as the Hornets sprung a surprise on Tuesday — and conceded the defeat was all that Arsenal deserved.