Can Arteta Break Arsenal's Curse and Win the Title?

The Premier League title race has given us many memorable moments over the years. As we approach the final stretch, one question remains: can Mikel Arteta's Arsenal overcome their tendency to 'bottle' it under pressure? With Manchester City closing in, the Gunners' recent slump has raised concerns about their ability to handle the stress of being at the top. In their last four games, Arsenal have doubled their number of losses, with three defeats in that period. So, what's behind this sudden decline, and how can Arteta turn things around? One key issue is the team's tactical struggles, particularly when faced with a four-man press. This tactic, employed by Bournemouth and Manchester City, has caused Arsenal problems by shutting off the middle of the pitch and forcing them into errors. The statistics are telling: against Bournemouth, Arsenal's players passed the ball back to their goalkeeper 38 times, and when they tried to play out, they often lost possession. Arteta has had time to address this issue, but so far, he hasn't found a solution. Another concern is the team's reliance on set pieces for attacking play. In their recent games, Arsenal have struggled to create scoring opportunities from open play, which is a worrying trend. The pressure is also taking a toll on the players, with some, like Martin Zubimendi, looking exhausted. The Spanish midfielder has played more minutes than any other Arsenal outfield player this season, and his form has suffered as a result. Arteta's management of the squad has also been questioned, particularly in terms of rotation. With key players like Zubimendi and Declan Rice shouldering a heavy load, it's no wonder they're starting to show signs of fatigue. But is there a deeper issue at play? Manchester City's Pep Guardiola believes it's a matter of mindset, not tactics. Arteta's pre-match rallying cries to the fans have been seen as an attempt to raise the stakes, but they may be having the opposite effect. By adding to the tension and noise around the club, Arteta may be inadvertently putting more pressure on his players. Gary Neville has suggested that Arsenal's players are feeling the weight of expectation, and it's affecting their performance on the pitch. As Arteta prepares to face Manchester City on Sunday, he needs to find a way to calm the nerves and get his team back on track. With several key players still out injured, it won't be easy, but Arteta must trust in his squad's ability to overcome their current predicament. Despite their recent struggles, Arsenal are still in a good position, considering their injury woes. If they can recapture the form that has brought them this far, they may yet prove their doubters wrong and claim the title.