Old fears return: Former Gunners captain unsure Arsenal have what it takes to finish the job

United defeat revives old fears in the title fight

Old fears return: Former Gunners captain unsure Arsenal have what it takes to finish the job

Arsenal’s long defensive streak ended after 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United raising new doubts in the title race.

Setback at the Emirates brings old doubts back

Arsenal remain involved in all major competitions this season sitting top of the Premier League competing strongly in the Champions League and still active in both domestic cup tournaments.

However a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates has reopened the debate about whether Mikel Arteta’s side have the mental strength to finally win the league for the first time in 22 year.

The result left Arsenal with only four point lead over Man City & Aston Villa with 15 match still to play in the title race.

Patrick Vieira questions Arsenal mindset

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira expressed concern after the loss speaking to Sky Sports.

He suggested the team still face questions about their mentality in key moments.

Vieira said Arsenal’s players must show more energy and take more risks during matches adding that the quality is clearly there but the mental side remains uncertain.

The defeat was also Arsenal’s first home loss of the season making it even more damaging at this stage of the campaign.

Historic defensive run comes to end

One of the biggest talking points from the match was the end of Arsenal’s remarkable defensive streak.

According to Transfermarkt it had been 121 game since Arsenal last conceded three or more goals in match.

The last time it happened was in December 2023 when the Gunners beat Luton Town 4-3.

That run was the longest in Premier League history but it is now over after Manchester United scored three at the Emirates.

Transfermarkt’s historical list shows other long streaks include:

• Manchester United’s 107 game run under José Mourinho
• Several strong defensive spells under Sir Alex Ferguson
• Manchester City’s streaks under Pep Guardiola
• Multiple Chelsea runs during Mourinho’s first spell

Arsenal also feature again in the top 10 with 54 match streak during their famous Invincible season in 2003 /04.

Arteta: “It depends on our reaction”

Arteta responded to the criticism by insisting the team must show their strength through how they react.

He said losing one match is not decisive and he remains confident because of the mentality he sees inside the dressing room.

Arsenal, he added, are determined to respond immediately.

Still in a strong position

Despite the setback Arsenal remain in strong place to win their first league title since the unbeaten 2004 team led by Vieira under Arsène Wenger.

City have been inconsistent while Aston Villa’s challenge under Unai Emery has surprised many.

With difficult away matches ahead for Guardiola’s side, Arsenal still control their own destiny.