Listen to the article
Arsenal remains at the top of the Premier League and Champions League while continuing its run in both domestic cup competitions, keeping fans’ dreams alive of achieving the greatest season in club history. However, the 2-3 defeat to Manchester United has reignited debate about whether manager Mikel Arteta’s side can shed its runner-up reputation and secure its first Premier League title in 22 years.
The Gunners still hold a four-point advantage over unstable Manchester City and surprise package Aston Villa with 15 matches remaining in the season. Arsenal has also secured passage to the Champions League round of 16 and holds a strong position to reach the League Cup final, while the FA Cup fourth-round draw handed them a home tie against third-tier Wigan.
Mental Strength Questions Emerge After Manchester United Loss
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira questioned the current squad’s mental fortitude following a hesitant performance against United that resulted in the club’s first home defeat this season. According to Sky Sports, Vieira stated that questions remain about the team’s psychological strength and emphasized that players must show more energy and risk-taking on the pitch.
The loss marked a significant setback as Arsenal conceded three goals for the first time in nearly three years. Meanwhile, a resurgent Manchester United claimed their first victory at Emirates Stadium since 2019, capitalizing on Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Missed Opportunity to Extend League Lead
With both Manchester City and Aston Villa struggling in recent weeks, Arsenal squandered a chance to transform the title race into a near-certainty. The team followed goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest with the damaging home defeat, raising concerns about their ability to maintain momentum.
Arsenal has finished second in each of the past three seasons and has not captured a major trophy since Arteta’s first campaign six years ago. The Spanish manager defended his squad, expressing confidence in their desire and ability to respond immediately to setbacks.
Attacking Creativity Remains Arsenal’s Achilles Heel
The lack of creativity in the final third continues to plague Arsenal, with no single player having scored more than five Premier League goals this season. In contrast, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has netted four times that amount, highlighting the scoring disparity.
Additionally, more than half of Arsenal’s league goals have come from own goals or set pieces, including Lisandro Martínez’s own goal and Mikel Merino’s corner conversion against United. The signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has not ended Arteta’s search for an effective number nine, while star winger Bukayo Saka has endured a goal drought spanning his last 13 matches.
Rivals’ Struggles Keep Title Dreams Alive
Despite their recent stumbles, Arsenal remains ideally positioned to capture their first championship since Vieira’s team completed the 2004 season undefeated under Arsène Wenger. However, this advantage stems largely from competitors’ inconsistency rather than the Gunners’ dominant form.
Manchester City secured their first victory in five league matches in 2026 against bottom-placed Wolverhampton on Saturday. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola’s side faces challenging away fixtures against Tottenham and Liverpool, venues where they have historically struggled even during their most successful periods.
Aston Villa winning their first title since 1981 would represent an even greater surprise, though Unai Emery’s team continues exceeding expectations. According to Saka, the journey will not always be smooth, and the team must demonstrate character in the coming weeks.
Arsenal’s next fixtures will prove crucial in determining whether they can regain their balance and maintain their grip on the title race, though the club has not yet announced specific plans for addressing their attacking deficiencies before the transfer window closes.
