Hull warns Arsenal of difficult run-in

Graeme Souness remarked that Nasri could not have scored his brilliant goal against Porto in the Premiership. He was right and Hull reminded us of as much on Saturday.

Nasri took 14 touches to score that goal. All of those touches were in a crowded area and as a result, needed to be, each, perfect to achieve what he achieved. His opponents were a Portuguese quick-passing side and the arbitrator was a French referee. Continental referees understand that when you are pushed in the back then your touch cannot be perfect so it can be considered a foul. In the Premiership, Nasri would have been pushed in the back or on the sides. If he still made it into the box, he would be held and shoved. By the way, Sagna, Sol and Vermaelen would do the same. If Nasri went down, an English referee would say he went down too easy.

Looking at upcoming fixtures, while Porto was fantastic, it tells us little about the Premiership run-in. The Hull game told us a lot more. It told us that Arsenal's games are really no easier than Chelsea's or Man Utd's. The idea of an easier run in is a myth. United and Chelsea can lose anywhere if the right players are missing and so can Arsenal.

Arsenal has little control over the title. All they can do is make sure that they are competitive and available to take advantage. If Arsenal lose one game or had they drawn at Hull, they would have been written off. I think it may end up being more complicated than that. I really believe that anybody can lose anywhere so until it is mathematically impossible, Arsenal are in it although far from being control of their destiny.

Chelsea's title chances depend almost exclusively on Drogba's fitness.

Man Utd's title chances depend almost exclusively on Wayne Rooney's fitness.

If these two stay fit. Arsenal should forget about the title.

Arsenal's chances of staying competitive, however, depend on four key players in my opinion. Thomas Vermaelen, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and Nicklas Bendtner. An injury to any of these players and Arsenal will lose and draw more games.

Vermaelen, because he is a leader, a fighter and has no psychological hang-ups about losing the title or the fight previously at Arsenal. He wants it and it shows. And obviously there is no small matter of the fact that he is a fantastic defender. He is a leader at Arsenal and his desire can inspire the team.

Song may have lost his passing since returning from Africa but it is clear that nobody can do his job. When Song is absent, Arsenal struggle to create rhythm and security. We manage that in midfield even when he is playing badly. We got away with it at Hull. That was way too close but I doubt we can afford another game without Song.

Cesc for obvious reasons - his passing, his assists and his goals. He occupies a lot of opponents on the pitch and it makes things easier for the team.

Lastly Bendtner. I am not really counting on Bendtner's goals here although he has scored quite frequently since his return and has taken some important goals. Bendtner and Diaby are key to defending set-pieces. We concede far less on set-pieces when he is there. Bendtner also wins a lot of aerial balls in the opposition half. This is important because Song and Cesc can win the second ball. This makes a huge difference in stopping quick attacks by the opposition when we are getting out of our half – note the goal by Burnley. Bendtner also attacks most things in the box. He keeps defenders busy.

I don't believe that this title will be about winning every game or that it exclusively hinges on Man Utd vs Chelsea at Old Trafford. I think other things will happen. I cannot see any team winning all remaining games and if Rooney or Drogba or any of the mentioned Arsenal players gets injured, it will have a BIG say.

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