𝕮𝖍𝖎𝖊𝖋

@themagic_tophat They need a psychology day at colney. It seemed no Dubai trip deflated them this year.

Sometimes you just get beat by the other team on the day, especially when they’re fresher. That’s a worry in a title race but not nearly as concerning as yesterday’s performance at an individual level and as a collective. It clearly has a lot of “culprits”. I have seen many posts on here loading blame onto: individuals, lack of collective talent, fatigue, injuries, tactics, mentality… and all could be true. But the statement below reveals Arteta believes individuals are under-performing and I agree with that myself. My concern is how many performed poorly yesterday because that often points to a thematic issue beyond the individual, which can be harder to solve. When multiple players stop delivering the basics (tracking runs, making themselves available for a pass, taking on players, committing in the duels, being deliberate with their passing, running to crash the box in an attack rather than jogging, etc.) then you know there is a mentality issue. It’s not about application - it’s about fear. Some players are freezing up. Pressure can be a driver ofc but it starts with ebbing belief due to lack of role clarity, lack of trust in themselves, the team and the tactics. When that happens, it starts to infect the entire team and the whole level drops. That’s when the crowd loses faith too. The lack of belief is infectious. And in that situation, no amount of positive talking around embracing the moment will be sufficient to shift their mindset. Instead, you need to rebuild the trust. You do that by putting out the most mentally resilient team you can, gain in-game momentum and then slowly re-introduce players who have lost belief. You need to infect them with positivity, bit by bit. It’s a tough call because many of Mikel’s most mentally resilient players are physically weakened right now. Saka, Ødegaard, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori, Merino. Hopefully some are back soon. But in the interim, it’s crucial to lean on others who have “the minerals”. For me, that means Myles, Norgaard and (I can’t believe I’m putting this on a 16yo but) Max too. And it’s just as crucial to put players in the roles they take most confidence in. That means starting Martinelli in the Champions League but not the PL. If you’re going to play Havertz, play him at 9, not 10. Plus, cut any over-coaching for now. Get them focused on the simplest of tasks they know they can execute well. Re-build the belief and the rest follows.

Arsene Wenger was right Fear of failure kills ambition. Arteta's fear of failure has decimated this team. We aren't winning the league with his mentality

22 years, nine points clear with seven games, and this #Arsenal team serve up that performance. After a shocking opening half hour, we got back in, and followed it with an hour of relegation worthy football. There is no defending it; this isn’t the level of mentality of winners.

Merino is so so missed. Would’ve suited this game. #afc

We don’t beat Man City we don’t win the league in my opinion

🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️ Ⓒ Dec skippers the side 💪 Havertz steps in ⚡️ Martinelli on the wing Leave it all out there, Gunners. 🤝 @deel

Let’s go Myles 💪🏼

The Arsenal players must be CLINICAL tonight. Bournemouth tend to give chances away.

Let’s get it 🔴⚪️ COYG

Takes on new meaning today. 😂😂😂

If you can't get behind this, you're not an Arsenal fan.

Bring your lunch and dinner lads 😂

🗣️ Jack Wilshere: “When I was with Mikel Arteta, it was the first time I really understood when managers say it’s about trusting the process. I could see that unfolding in front of my eyes, and it inspired me. I’m really grateful for Mikel.” ❤️📈

Process to renew Mikel Arteta’s contract at Arsenal underway and to recommence in the summer. Early optimism over positive outcome. Plus - Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri futures in doubt amid a sharper focus on outgoings this summer. bbc.co.uk/sport/football…

Needs to start for Spain at the World Cup no questions asked. Silly how they think otherwise

Officials tried to ruin the match for us and they failed because of big Kai 🔴⚪️

TAKING CONTROL OF THE TIE 👊

True