Arsenal remain firmly in control of the Premier League title race, yet recent results suggest the strain of expectation may be starting to bite.
The Gunners sit four points clear at the top, cruised through the Champions League group stage with a perfect record, hold a first-leg advantage over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final and are safely into the FA Cup fourth round. On paper, it is a season to savour.
Still, a first home league defeat of the campaign to Manchester United last weekend sparked boos from the stands, reflecting a growing unease among supporters haunted by three consecutive second-place finishes.
Arteta Calls for Calm and Belief
Mikel Arteta has been quick to address the mood. Ahead of the midweek clash with Kairat Almaty, the Arsenal manager urged fans to “jump on the boat” and embrace the title run-in. Before Saturday’s trip to Leeds, with Arsenal winless in their last four league games, he struck a similarly defiant tone.
“It’s about understanding where you are,” Arteta said. “When you lose a game, emotions come with it. This group is extremely competitive and demands excellence. My job is to bring optimism and remind everyone of the reality — we’re doing a lot of things very well.”
Arteta insisted the focus must remain on confidence and progress rather than panic, even as pressure continues to mount.
Goals Dry Up at the Worst Time
One recurring criticism of this Arsenal side is the lack of a consistent Premier League goalscorer. Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres arrived for £64m with expectations of solving that problem, but the Swedish striker has managed just five league goals so far.
He is not alone. Arsenal’s entire frontline is struggling for form at a crucial stage of the season. Gyokeres has not scored a non-penalty league goal in 11 games, Bukayo Saka has gone 13 matches without finding the net in all competitions, while Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard are also enduring lengthy droughts.
Despite that, Arsenal’s overall results with Gyokeres in the team remain strong, suggesting the issue is more collective than individual.
Predictability Creeps In
Former England captain Steph Houghton believes opponents are beginning to work Arsenal out. Speaking on the Monday Night Club, she singled out Saka’s dip in output as particularly surprising given his importance to the team.
“He’s expected to score and create, so none in 13 games is a shock,” Houghton said. “We thought Gyokeres would be the missing piece, but sometimes Arsenal look a bit predictable. Teams are setting up for them now, and I think they need to play with more freedom.”
With the title race entering its decisive phase, Arsenal’s challenge may be less about quality and more about nerve — rediscovering their cutting edge while keeping belief intact, both on the pitch and in the stands.
