LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva admits his side need to win their last seven matches to have any chance of snatching the Premier League title.

Gilberto knows Arsene Wenger's side cannot afford another slip-up after Sunday's defeat at Chelsea left them six points behind leaders Manchester United.

The Gunners have dropped to third place after winning only one of their last eight league matches. It is their worst run for nine years but Brazil midfielder Gilberto is refusing to throw in the towel.

"A few weeks ago we were five points clear, now we are at a disadvantage. It is not a comfortable situation because there are only seven games left," he said.

"But we still have a chance because we are going to play Manchester United away. The most important thing is to win our games. We have seven games and we cannot afford to slip up anymore."

Arsenal's meltdown has prompted suggestions that several players are unhappy with William Gallas after the Gunners captain criticised Theo Walcott's lack of progress and then threw a tantrum following the 2-2 draw at Birmingham.

But Gilberto insists Gallas still has the support of the Arsenal dressing room.

"Sometimes when things don't work well some people try to create some problems," he said. "I'm sure we don't have any problems in the dressing room at Arsenal. We still have friendship between all the players and he has the support of everybody."

Gilberto's own future with the London club is shrouded in doubt. He has spent most of the season kicking his heels on the bench after losing his place to Mathieu Flamini.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to Juventus at the end of the season but he is hoping for one more chance to prove himself to Wenger.

"About my future, I will see what will happen at the end of the season," he said. "I'm working very hard at the training ground every day to get my chance. I know it has been difficult because the team has been playing well apart from the last few results.

"I will not give up. In football things can change and maybe I can have my chance before the season finishes."

Gilberto was speaking ahead of Brazil's friendly against Sweden at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, a match arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Brazil's first World Cup final triumph over the Swedes.

"We know how it is when we play Sweden. It will be difficult. It is always hard when we play any team in the world because they want to do their best against us," Gilbero added.

"We need to enjoy it and continue our preparation because our main focus is when we play the qualification games for the World Cup."