There is an increasing pressure in the title race of Arsenal with Mikel Arteta firmly denoting that his team are not bottlers in the upcoming massive Premier League match with Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners have lost their lead following the two consecutive draws with Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The lost points have opened the competition at the top.
Arsenal has been recording just two wins in the past seven league games. That is run has put them five points behind Manchester City who have a game in hand. The scenario seems accustomed. Arsenal has become a runner-up in the past three seasons under Arteta. Whether history is repeating itself or not is a question that is now being asked by critics.
However, Arteta does not believe that story. He refuted the concept of a title wobble and dismissed it as an opinion. In his opinion, no team will aim to be less than the best. In his opinion, football is a game of margins and not state of mind. His message is clear. Arsenal need to concentrate on their performances and not external noise.
Their season could be determined by the North London derby which is going to take place. Tottenham away is never easy. It requires personality and discipline. The title race will not be over should Arsenal respond in a great manner. They will just fall behind even further, which will only increase the pressure.
In my opinion, this will be a challenge to the maturity of Arsenal. The team has become better in terms of quality and depth. But heroes are characterised by regularity during bad times. Belief, according to the words of Arteta, has come, but now it should be converted into on-field results.
The title race is still open. Arsenal cannot afford a lot of mistakes though.
