Patrick Vieira has questioned whether Arsenal have the mental strength to win the Premier League title this season.
Arsenal crashed to a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, a result that saw their lead at the Premier League table reduced to just four points.
The Gunners have ended the three previous campaigns as runners-up, despite long periods as Premier League leaders. Arsenal are out in front again this season, but Vieira has questioned whether his old side have the mentality to get over the line.
The Frenchman, who captained Arsenal to their 2003-04 Invincible title win, admits he was concerned by the nature of the defeat to Manchester United. Having equalised through Mikel Merino late on, Arsenal conceded almost immediately to lose the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Vieira said the title race remains in Arsenal’s hands but called on the club’s leaders to lift the squad.
“They are still four points clear, but there are still questions about the mental strength of the team,” Vieira said.
“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.”
