'Emotional toll of two enormous wins there to be seen' in Chelsea draw

If you had asked most Arsenal fans at the start of the week if two wins and a draw was an acceptable outcome for the three teams they faced, most would have said "yes". In fact, most would have been delighted with that return.

Despite this, there is some gloom among fans following the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday - regarding both the result and the performance.

For me, it is understandable. The sheer emotional expenditure required by these players over the past three games cannot be underestimated. In the space of a week, Arsenal have experienced a derby against Spurs, a Champions League game against a previously unbeaten Bayern Munich side and an away trip to a title rival.

This has been a lethal cocktail of hope, pressure and ecstasy.

For each of these games, there is the pre-game psychological warfare. Then comes the physicality of the game itself, which even in the 4-1 drubbing of Spurs will have had an impact. And then follows the come-down, the adrenaline leaving the body and the immense energy required to get up and go again. Living constantly in this cycle is unsustainable, but it is what was demanded of the Gunners.

Sunday's performance was subpar across the board and Mikel Arteta's team were outclassed by Chelsea. The emotional toll of two enormous wins was there to be seen in the missed passes, ill-advised shots and a general sense of nerves from the very first minute.

Arsenal have escaped this time without a loss, which should be commended. But if they are to go deep in the Champions League, the domestic cups and finally get over the line in the Premier League, they will need to learn how to cope with these do-or-die games in close proximity.

There is a saying that goes 'if you don't schedule a break, your body will take one for you - and it probably will not be at a convenient time'. This remains the ultimate fear for all Arsenal fans. That peaking too soon, in games that are ultimately inconsequential, will once again be their downfall.

For now though, a draw away at Chelsea to keep the gap to six points? I will take it.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast