There is a lot that goes into a successful Premier League title challenge, and Arsenal seem to have found that we are lacking in at least one of them in every season since the invicibles won it without losing a single league game over a decade ago.
This season we have heard from the likes of Arsene Wenger and Theo Walcott about this being the strongest Arsenal squad for years, with the England international repeating the claim this weekend as reported by Metro. The results are certainly backing up this theory but then again we have been on top of the table plenty of times in recent years only for the Gunners to falter.
We have had more than our fair share of big injury problems but one of the major reasons for our title credentials to be called into doubt is the winning mentality and the ability to keep winning when the pressure is on. The fact that is has been 12 years without a title and none of the current squad have experienced it could be a problem.
We saw how the pressure of not winning a trophy for years affected us in the 2011 league cup final and then the FA cup final against Hull City. We did eventually come back to win that game and lift the trophy but only after the nerves and pressure had seen us go two behind early on.
As well as Arsenal having that long spell without a title, our main rivals at the moment are Chelsea and they won it with a lot of the same players they have now just over a year ago. Does this give them a crucial edge? I think that Wenger is definitely worried that it might, so the question is how is he going to get the Gunners over this mental hurdle?
Bob.
In my opinion, Chelsea are the favourites but not by a lot. Arsenal, City, Liverpool, Spuds and United have a chance as there are a lot of matches left.
We Must focus on ourselves and focus on winning every match at a time
Chelsea have less commitments this year, so they have a chance to rest & charge forth without suffering fatigue & sudden dips in form. As it stands, they absolutely look great for the title. Never thought I’d say this, but they are playing a good brand of football. The question now is if they can maintain this kind of form for the next 4-5 games. The big deal for us might be a good December.
how i hate those “Opinions”… look opinions shouldn’t change so drastic over some months just depending on which team is at the first place.. all the pundits and genius’ who are now calling chelsea the favourites as if that was a brave or good opinion were the same one who were sure that at the start man u or man city were the fav then hands down man city no doubt there.. and then liv with their dangerous attack and at that time everybody here wrote the same thing “well chelsea is strong but i think they are missing just one piece for this year next year maybe..” pretty sure the moment man u is at the first place everybody will again talk up man u as the favourites.. i think you too
There’s a LONG season ahead, Chelsea haven’t had ONE bad injury to key players; Hazard, Costa or Kante. We’ve already had Cazorla, now mustafi out and we’re still right behind them so what do you think will happen to them when one of their 3 players goes out?
I think this is OUR year, we look like the most complete team out there and when Mustafi/cazorla/Welbeck come back to this team, boy will we be hard to play against.
The day is still young so he who will no have dinner is yet unknown.. Nevertheless Chelsea have every advantage over us in tittle race apart from the fact that our team is more than capable to match them toes to toes and also the fact that conte being new to premier league might hunt them in the long run