Gary Lineker believes that Arsenal versus Atletico Madrid could actually determine whether Mikel Arteta’s team will have the confidence to stay in the title race.
The former England international says that at this stage of the season, it is all about momentum and exiting the Champions League could also harm them in the Premier League.
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Arsenal showed resilience at the Etihad Stadium, despite losing 2-1, and must now look to build on what was a positive performance.
The Gunners’ next two games against Newcastle and then Atletico Madrid will now determine whether they will have the mental fortitude to remain in the title race or not.
Gary Lineker says Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid is now so important
Gary Lineker believes that Arsenal versus Atletico Madrid is now crucial for determining whether the Gunners can finish the season strong.
Arsenal’s defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup and also losing in the FA Cup to Southampton has clearly disrupted their flow and put more pressure on them to win one of the two major competitions.
Lineker has now suggested that if they were to crash out of Europe, it would only further dent their hopes of winning the Premier League.
Speaking about the title race, Lineker told The Rest Is Football: “There is the Pep factor, and having done it many times before, I think that does make a difference.
“You could look at it going in that Arsenal have got two huge games against Atletico in the Champions League.
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“City have not got the Champions League, which might help them a little bit, but they have got a semi-final in the FA Cup to play. But they’ll be big favourites in that.
“So I think a lot might depend on how they do against Atletico because I mean, confidence is so, so important, particularly as you head down the stretch.”
Facing Diego Simeone’s team in the Champions League will not be easy, as they showed against Tottenham and Barcelona.
That first leg in the tie could be so crucial, as going away to the Metropolitano has proven to be such a tricky venue for many teams this season.
But Lineker is spot on, the Gunners need to rebuild some momentum, and the game against Atleti will surely determine that.
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