A BRIDGE TOO FAR It’s game over for Arsene after gap grows to 12
Big Ben strikes It’s wham, bam, Sam!
ENGLAND made a winning start to the Six Nations – but only just.
Eddie Jones’ side overcame France 19-16 with Ben Te’o scoring their only try.
Head coach Jones said: “We can’t get any uglier than that.” SAM ALLARDYCE was thumped 4-0 by his former side Sunderland.
The Crystal Palace boss could only watch on as a Jermain Defoe-inspired Black Cats ran riot at Selhurst Park. MATCH REPORT: See RESULT! P8-9 ARSENE WENGER effectively conceded the title to Chelsea yesterday as pressure mounted on the Frenchman.
Chelsea’s win against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge extended their lead over Wenger’s side to 12 points.
And the Gunners manager said: “It is theirs to lose from here. They look powerful and confident. “They are not in Europe so they can spend all week preparing properly.”
Arsenal are now further away than ever from ending their 13-year wait to win the Premier League title again – in a season which sees Wenger’s contract end.
But the Arsenal boss was defiant and angry last night.
He was upset that Hector Bellerin was knocked out and had to be substituted when he took a blow to the head as Marcos Alonso put Chelsea ahead.
Wenger said: “Of course it was a foul but the goal was allowed.
“Referees are more severe on tackles on the PAUL HETHERINGTON Chelsea 3 Arsenal 1 ground than elbows to the face.
“Bellerin was knocked out – he didn’t know the score at that time.
“Then Chelsea are very good at defending and counter-attacking.
“Our keeper has not had a lot to save but we didn’t create a lot either.
“My focus now is preparing to win our next game.”
Wenger watched the match from the stands as he continued a touchline ban and he added: “It is very frustrating but I have to take my punishment.”
However, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said: “The title is not ours because there are 14 games to play.
“And for the first goal, Alonso jumped more than Bellerin. Was it a foul? Possibly in Italy!
“But I’m pleased because it was very important to win. I am pleased for our fans.” MATCH REPORT: See RESULT! P2-3