Gallas: We must keep believing March 24 2008
William Gallas accepts it will now be "difficult" for Arsenal to go on and lift the Premier League crown - but the Gunners captain maintains "it is not finished yet, so we have to believe".
Arsenal lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, as Chelsea came from behind to leapfrog them into second place, five points behind leaders Manchester United.
Arsene Wenger's side have now not won in the league for five games, picking up only four points - their worst run for nine seasons.
Even though United have still to go to Chelsea and Arsenal travel to Old Trafford next month, it looks set to be an uphill battle in the Gunners' quest for a first championship since the 'Invincible' season of 2003/2004.
However, with the three sides also in the hunt for European glory, Gallas insists all is not yet lost.
"It will be difficult for us to come back, because Manchester United now have six points (lead) - but we have to," he told Arsenal TV Online, having received less than a warm welcome on his return to his former club.
"We must play until the end of the season and then see.
"Maybe they can drop some points because of the Champions League - they can be tired, Chelsea too. We have to give everything until the end.
"Why do we have to be down? Football is like this. You never know. You can be back. They can lose some points.
"We have to be ready for the next game and do not give up. We can still win it. It is not finished yet, so we have to believe."