Arsenal’s ‘mental strength’ in Premier League title race questioned by Patrick Vieira after Man Utd defeat | Football News

Arsenal’s former captain Patrick Vieira has questioned the Gunners’ “mental strength” in the Premier League title race after they lost at home to Manchester United.

Matheus Cunha scored a sensational 87th-minute winner to clinch a 3-2 victory for Michael Carrick’s United and leave leaders Arsenal stunned at the Emirates Stadium.

The result has alarm bells ringing for Arsenal, whose lead at the top of the Premier League is reduced from seven to four points following a three-game winless run.

“They’re still four points clear, but there’s still questions about the mental strength of the team,” Vieira told Sky Sports.

“It’s not just that they lost the game, it’s the way they lost the game. (Bukayo) Saka and (Leandro) Trossard didn’t produce enough to worry United.

“They need a leader to lift the spirit of the team. They need to understand when they are on the pitch they have to play with more energy and more risks. They have the quality.

“They didn’t play with the freedom to express themselves.”

Keane: Arsenal look frightened of the challenge

Sky Sports’ Roy Keane:

“Pressure was on Arsenal today. They saw the other results; they have everything going for them in all competitions. That is pressure; they are feeling the pressure.

“It is how they deal with it. That’s what has cost them over the last few years when they have got themselves in good positions.

“The sign over the last few weeks. The Liverpool game, the Forest game and today. Losing that momentum.

“I can’t believe they don’t look like a confident team. Play the game, they are obviously playing the occasion.

“They have to get back to basics and embrace this challenge instead of being frightened of it.”

More to follow…