Now Can I Say We Are Mentally Weak? by Dan Smith
Earlier this week many readers were angry that I suggested the perception of Arsenal remains being mentally weak. Some even asked admin to not post my articles (despite them not putting their opinion out there). My argument was based on our latest failed attempt to win at one of our top 5 rivals, something last done 5 years ago with a record of 7 points out of a possible 69 (again it’s crazy to suggest we are mentally weak?)
The counter view is we played well in the North London Derby and were victims of a bad referee performance. If it was a one off, I agree…. But you can’t be unlucky every time. On Thursday we again failed in a high-pressure game away on our travels. Again, some Gooners will make the excuse that we have been robbed by the officials due to making us play the second half with 10 men. In reality it’s the second match running our defence made individual mistakes.
To clarify, Rennes is the current 10th best team in France. So, while we should respect we had a man defecit, there was no reason to play like we were scared of them. I understand the reason to protect the away goal but that’s not a reason to show zero courage (again it’s crazy to question our mentality?). Emery chose to protect what we had, seeking switching to a 4-5-0, even though he’s had 8 months of knowing we can’t defend. How many of you are truthfully surprised we fell apart?
If we had strong mentality, a leader would tell his peers to keep chins up, 1-1, even 2-1 was no reason to feel sorry for ourselves. Yet our body language, our approach, invited Rennes to go for our throat. If Arsene Wenger had got that result, which follows on from a loss in Belarus, you would have crucified him.
So, in our decisive week, we have failed to win both away games. But we are mentally fine?
Dan Smith