Petr Cech hurt at end of embarrassing Arsenal loss, will miss Spurs clash

Arsenal lost to lowly Swansea on Wednesday, dealing their title hopes a massive blow. And yet that wasn't the end of the bad news for the Gunners, because goalkeeper Petr Cech hurt his hamstring running back into his goal after going in the attack for a corner kick in stoppage time.

Cech, 33, has been one of Arsenal's best players this season and has provided a steadying presence for a defense that has a tendency for poorly timed disasters. It's bad enough that he got hurt, but to do it because they were so desperate for a late goal against relegation-fighting Swansea is a special kind of infuriating.

Without him, they have to turn to David Ospina. He's had his moments of brilliance, but he's had as many that were cringe-worthy.

Saturday's match isn't just another Premier League contest, either. It's against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are in second place, three points clear of the Gunners. It's the biggest North London Derby in decades, with title implications to go with more than a century of hate and bitterness. And Arsenal now have to go at it without Cech.

Best wishes to Arsene Wenger's zipper on Saturday.