Walcott admits: We lie down in big matches

Walcott was particularly disappointing against Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

The Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has admitted the club need to learn how to be more clinical following Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea. It is a lesson they will have to take on board quickly, as they play Liverpool tomorrow in a game they cannot afford to lose.

The defeat at Stamford Bridge left Arsenal nine points behind Chelsea, coming on the back of a 3-1 loss to Manchester United and a goalless draw with Aston Villa. Arsenal dominated possession against Chelsea but were undone by two strikes from Didier Drogba, who took his scoring run to 12 goals in 10 games against the Gunners.

"We dominated the game, but Chelsea took their chances and you have got to be decisive," Walcott said yesterday. "We need to learn from that and then push on for the Liverpool game, because if we keep the ball like we did against Chelsea, but create more chances, we can kill anyone. However, everyone just remembers the results, and that is what we have to do – win these games and not lie down in the big matches. We have to believe we are always in the title race, no matter where we are in the league."

Gaël Clichy also refused to give up the title challenge. "It is even more complicated now to win the league, but we have to keep fighting until the end," he said. "We have seen since the start of the season, everyone can drop points. It is not going to be easy, but it is not finished. We were 11 points behind and came back so we have to hope they drop points and make sure we don't drop any points. When you want to be the best, after every defeat you have to ask the right questions."