ARSENAL fans have been sent into a spin all week over whether their side have the minerals to seal the title.
Or the cojones, as some might say . . .
Following a loss and two draws in their last three Premier League games — which culminated in Mikel Arteta’s side being booed off by home fans after the 3-2 loss to Manchester United — one thing is clear.
If Arsenal do manage to blow this season’s title race, their panicking fans will have to take a big chunk of the blame.
This is an exceptional Gunners team, there is no doubt about that.
On the pitch they have all the elements to seal a first title for 22 years.
But, at the Emirates, there is an odd vibe about everything, a sense that everyone needs convincing and is ready to doubt the second things go wrong.
I was at their game against Brighton last month, with Arteta’s boys 2-0 up and everyone feeling comfortable — there was no way they were going to lose.
Then the Seagulls pulled one back and instantly it was panic stations in the stands, everyone in the ground throwing a wobbler.
That will have a real impact on the pitch, they will feel the tension and anxiety and that — more than Manchester City or any other challenger — is now the biggest test for this squad.
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This is an Arsenal fanbase that, after so long without a title, is not used to proper success, does not understand that this little run is not the end and cannot seem to hold its nerve.
In every game between now and the end of the campaign, we will have them down as favourites to win — but no one watching will think that.
The fanbase and team, together, need to find that mentality which says: ‘Of course we’re winning this’.
It is too far to say Arsenal are flat-track bullies but too often this season it has taken them going a goal or two ahead before we see their best football.
These tense moments are where bigger players stand up, remember that this pressure is what they signed up for.
Because on the pitch you will spot the ones who cannot handle it, when the fans are anxious and instead of ‘chin up and chest out’, their knees start going.
Those big-time players need to send a message to the fans that they have this under control.
Because looking through the squad against United, who remain average despite their upturn under Michael Carrick, there were not many who filled me with confidence.
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Any recent comparisons to the Invincibles of 2004 or Manchester United’s 2008 team are ridiculous.
This is a fantastic side and they would be worthy title winners — but this is somewhat of a Leicester season, with so many big sides off it or, as they like to say, in transition.
So long as they win the league, the Arsenal players will not care what they were up against.
The starting point of getting back on track domestically is Leeds at Elland Road today.
It has always been a hard place to go but they should be travelling up expecting to win. The squad will be but who knows with these fans.
Should there be a draw — and if Pep Guardiola’s City were to win at Tottenham — just imagine how much this lot would be bricking it.
There is only one thing that will get rid of that hideous feeling Arsenal fans have in their stomachs when things don’t go exactly to plan.
Unfortunately for the squad the only solution is to win the title — no one in the stands will rest until it is done.
They are playing so close to their limit. Yes, Bukayo Saka could be scoring more — as could all of their forwards — and Eberechi Eze could be having a better time of it.
But would any of those factors improving calm this lot down? Not a chance.
