Arteta must not touch it: The one match Chelsea fans want to lose as Blues pray for defeat

The Premier League title race has entered its most chaotic phase, and it isn’t just the players feeling the heat, the rivalries are reaching boiling point. 

Chelsea fans have made their stance clear: they are willing to sacrifice their own European ambitions if it means keeping the Premier League trophy out of Mikel Arteta’s hands.

The Blues faithful erupted on social media following Arsenal’s damaging 1-1 draw against Brentford on Thursday night. The result saw the Gunners' lead at the summit shrink to just four points, with Manchester City breathing down their necks. 

Now, Chelsea fans are eyeing their upcoming April clash against Pep Guardiola’s side as the ultimate kingmaker moment.

For many Chelsea supporters, the prospect of a first Arsenal league title since 2004 is a nightmare they are desperate to avoid. 

Despite Chelsea currently sitting in a battle for Champions League spots, the consensus among the fanbase is that a season in the Europa League is a small price to pay to see Arsenal fall short again.

The reaction online has been ruthless, with fans suggesting that the April 11th meeting with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge should be a "free pass" for the former champions.

“This is a must-lose game unfortunately, I'd take a season in the Europa league over Arteta touching a league title.”

Others are banking on their own European pedigree to offset a potential domestic slip:

“Let City take the Prem and we win the UCL, job done we move and Arsenal cry again.”

While the draw at Brentford has left the door open for City, Chelsea fans are even suggesting tactical "adjustments" to ensure Haaland and company leave West London with all three points later this spring.

“Hopefully goalkeeper, just pull up a chair and watch Haaland work.”

Despite the "must-lose" sentiment, some fans are holding onto the hope that they can have it both ways, denying Arsenal while still sneaking into the elite European competition.

“Hey, we could lose this and still get Champs… especially if we… win the Champions Leagueeeee… it’s not impossible just highly improbable. HOWEVER… it was also improbable back in 2012.”

With Manchester City cutting the lead to just four points following their midweek win over Fulham, the pressure on Arteta is mounting.