Jack Wilshere has admitted that his Arsenal teammates cannot begin to dream of a Premier League title until they become ruthless in front of goal.

The Gunners slumped to their first defeat of the season in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea - a loss that left Arsene Wenger's side nine points adrift of the high-flying Blues.

Arsenal enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to make it count before a move involving Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa effectively ended the contest, a killer instinct that Wilshere claims is the difference between the sides.

"At times we controlled the game and that is the difference, at this level when you are playing against a top-class team, when you are on top you have to really make it count," he told Sky Sports News.

"You didn't really see Cesc Fabregas or Diego Costa all game and then, all of a sudden, a 50-yard ball from Cesc put it on Costa's foot and it is a great finish, and the game is over.

"We have played well, but at this level, against the top three in this league, when you are on top you need to make the opportunities count and if you don't, then you are going to get punished."

Arsenal resume domestic duties on October 18 for the visit of Hull City after the international break.