The actions of David Raya and Leandro Trossard at the end of Arsenal’s draw against Wolves were a signal of the Gunners’ nerves in the Premier League title race.
Manchester City will be feeling as if history could repeat itself this season, as for the fifth time in seven matches, Arsenal dropped points in the Premier League.
So many Arsenal players were below par against Wolves, and some even stood out for reasons aside from their performances.
David Raya had a night to forget, making a mistake before Wolves’ equaliser, which, in Alan Smith’s eyes, was on a similar wavelength to Leandro Trossard’s actions in injury time.
Who was Arsenal’s worst player vs Wolves?
Alan Smith says David Raya and Leandro Trossard showed Arsenal’s nerves against Wolves
Arsenal’s game plan was embarrassing against Wolves, as there was no sign of one.
After each of the Gunners’ goals, nerves were on show, with the anxiety within Arteta’s squad spilling out for all to see through Trossard and Raya.
Smith called the pair out on Sky Sports after the game: Raya for his lack of composure in the box, and Trossard for time-wasting in stoppage time.
“The way things unravelled at the end with Trossard just trying to waste time and then David Raya panicking coming out when he didn’t need to come out, it doesn’t bode well for Arsenal being able to handle the pressure.”
Smith was right, as the Arsenal squad look far from composed, which only plays into Man City’s favour.
The former Gunner doubled down on the concern he has about Arsenal managing their emotions.
“There is clearly a lot of nerves within the camp; the whole situation seems to be getting the better of them. It did tonight and going forward, but it doesn’t bode well.”
Arteta has a real challenge on his hands to control the emotions of his players, who cannot afford to lose grip on the title for a fourth consecutive season.
Gabriel Jesus’ actions at full-time against Wolves were a concern
One of the biggest issues is that it wasn’t just Trossard and Raya whose nerves took form through their actions on the pitch.
How concerned are you that Arsenal are ‘bottling it’ again?
At full-time, Gabriel Jesus lashed out at Yerson Mosquera, clearly frustrated by the result.
Arsenal have the best squad and the best defence in the Premier League, but without that title-contending mentality, it’s of little use to Arteta.
The Gunners have no excuses but to come out of the blocks fast against Tottenham, otherwise the title race falls into Man City’s control for the first time this season.
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