Arsenal’s defeat against Manchester United has once again raised plenty of question marks over the Gunners’ title bid.
The Gunners looked rocked as United took all three points at The Emirates and a number of former players and pundits have questioned them since.
Indeed, Arsene Wenger suggested they lacked control, while former captain Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane were also critical of the team in general, especially their mental strength in terms of actually winning a title.
Keane also suggested Arsenal need to ’embrace the fight to be champions’ and called on them to stop being ‘frightened’ to go and win games.
Do Arsenal lack mental strength and if so, how does Mikel Arteta fix it?
Nevertheless, Arsenal remain four clear of the chasing pack and in reality, it’s a position the club would have taken at the start of the season.
Still, there are new question marks being asked and ahead of facing Leeds next up in the league, Jamie Carragher has been discussing Arsenal’s current situation.
Jamie Carragher says what Arsenal now need to do after losing to Man United
There is no doubting that Man City will have taken some solace from seeing the Gunners in recent weeks.
Their European form has been outstanding but in the league, they’ve looked short of ideas and at times, look like they’ve been found out.
For now, there is no panicking but according to Jamie Carragher, a lot hinges on the Leeds game.
“It could be (a problem) if they don’t bounce back. Look, you’re not going to go winning a Premier League without losing a game here and there. I think they’ve lost three times now and if you look at the teams around them, they’ve lost more than themselves and also, they don’t lose often,” Carragher commented.
“It was a brilliant game. I think it’s important, they’ve got Leeds away in the next game and it’s important they bounce back. They’ve got a decent lead, four points right now but if they show another little chink in their armour next week and the other two capitalise, then I think it will be real panic stations for them.”
Asked whether he agreed with Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira on Arsenal’s mental struggles, Carragher suggested it was actually down to quality.
“I don’t think Arsenal lack mental strength. I think they lack quality, in attacking areas. Do they have a genuine superstar in the attack?
“I’ve always had this feeling with Arsenal and I’ve said it for years. You think about Mo Salah for Liverpool, what Haaland’s done for City or even Kevin de Bruyne in the past and I just do think Arsenal lack that type of player. When I look at the PL right now, I don’t think Arsenal have got much better in the last few years, but I think Liverpool and City have dropped off.
“I do still think Arsenal will win the league. But they do lack genuine world class quality at the top end of the pitch.”
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Arsenal now need their top players to deliver
The Gunners are in a good position and there’s certainly no reason to be getting down in the dumps over things.
After all, it only takes one win and for City to lose and suddenly the gap is back at seven and things look far more comfortable.
Be honest, how many ELITE forwards do Arsenal actually have?
However, title winning teams have their players step up when it matters and now is the time for the likes of Saka, Odegaard and Rice to really show what they’re made of.
A lack of goals from Arsenal’s strikers is a concern and they do need to address it.
For the likes of Saka and co, it feels like a pivotal career moment and ultimately, one which they’ll either sink or swim in.
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