ARSENAL simply must get better at coping with pressure.
Gunners Invincible Lauren says Mikel Arteta’s league leaders need to reach a “10/10” ruthlessness rating if they want to win a first Prem title in 19 YEARS.
Manchester City’s 4-1 win at Southampton on Saturday saw them close the gap on Arsenal to six points after the Londoners blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Liverpool the day after.
And Lauren is adamant that the Gunners need to eradicate such collapses — starting with Sunday’s trip to London rivals West Ham.
The 46-year-old former defender said: “Right now, Arsenal are 9/10 at coping with the pressure.
“But to get over the line and win the title, they need to reach 10/10 and see out the three points in every game, like they didn’t manage at Anfield.”
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Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus put Arsenal two-up inside half-an-hour but Mohamed Salah pulled one back for the Reds before half-time.
The Egyptian stroked a second-half penalty wide before Roberto Firmino nodded in Liverpool’s 87th-minute leveller as Arteta’s side dropped points for the first time in eight matches.
With their game in hand over Arsenal and five better goal difference ahead of the rivals’ clash at the Etihad on April 26, City’s title hopes no longer rely on the Gunners slipping up.
But despite their Anfield blip, Lauren reckons his old side have what it takes to fend off Pep Guardiola and Co — whose next Prem game is Leicester at home on Saturday.
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The ex-Cameroon international said: “Arsenal will show in the next eight games that they can cope with the pressure and get over the line.
“I am very proud of this team because they’ve been dominating games. Winning seven in a row going into Anfield at such a crucial period of the season, it’s been fantastic.”
Lauren also claimed City-loving TV personalities are playing mind games to distract the Gunners.
The former right-back told Sportingpost.com: “There’s psychology from many of those wanting City to win the league, including some pundits, waiting until City had the title back in their hands.
“That doesn’t mean they’re going to win it. It is in City’s hands, OK, but it is, of course, in Arsenal’s hands, too.
“They can’t start worrying. The only concern must be West Ham. A game they have to win.”
Arsenal head to the struggling Hammers and could welcome back Eddie Nketiah after the striker returned to full training.
The 23-year-old has missed seven games having suffered a frustrating ankle injury during last month’s 4-0 win against Everton.
Nketiah has scored nine goals this season, including six while deputising for injured Jesus after the World Cup.
And with the Brazilian still finding his way back to full fitness following his four-month lay-off, Nketiah’s availability will give manager Arteta more much-needed attacking options.
However, there is still no sign of defender William Saliba, who has missed Arsenal’s last three games with a back injury.
The centre-back was sorely missed at Anfield with replacement Rob Holding conceding the penalty Salah missed.
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And Arteta is desperate to have the France international back for their potential title decider at the Etihad later this month.
But after three weeks out of training, it is highly unlikely he will be available at the London Stadium.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
