Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Ian Wright questioned whether Arsene Wenger’s side have the mental strength to be champions after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Manchester United.
The Gunners had the chance to move back within two points of leaders Leicester City when they faced an injury-hit United side at Old Trafford, but they were unable to recover from 18-year-old Marcus Rashford’s early brace on his Premier League debut.
Henry, part of the last Arsenal side to win the title in 2003-04, said in his role as a Sky Sports pundit that their display had raised serious questions as to whether they have the necessary belief to be crowned champions of England.
“That wasn’t the performance of a team who wants to be champions,” said Henry, who has been working with Arsenal’s youth team as he develops his coaching skills.
“As an Arsenal fan, I’m thinking, ‘Can you show me you can be champions?’ — and today they didn’t reassure me on anything. They were second-best in everything. It was a really poor performance.
“Don’t take away anything from Marcus Rashford or Man United today, but Arsenal had to do more than that. I wanted Arsenal to come here and win well to send a message. You need to learn how to win games when you’re not at the top of your game.
“They’re still in the title race, but as an Arsenal fan, how are you going to feel confident going to Tottenham, to Everton, to West Ham?”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate