Arsenal: 4 things we have to see vs Aston Villa

2. Mental Resilience When Taking the Lead

The caveat? Arsenal have to actually take the lead first.

Working on the basis that they might on Friday, entering the same frame of mind as they had done upon going 1-0 up against Palace will be their undoing. What Arsenal don’t do is play like they’re losing 1-0 when they are in fact winning 1-0. Changing that around might be a good idea.

The impetus, choice of pass and movements come as some form of mental block. In the second half against Palace the players operated in advanced roles, taking the game to the opposition more than before, but it shouldn’t require a half-time debrief to rectify.

Especially when you’re at home, the decision to ease off in a positive game state is baffling. The crowd gets edgy, the opposition grow in confidence and the self-belief drains from the players with each failed attempt to play out and resulting attack from the visitors.

Why is there this weakness? Arsenal went into Monday’s game with many of their stars enjoying a prolific international break, and having gone five matches unbeaten in all competitions, to slow the pace as that did and retreat into their shells demonstrates a fear within the players.

Going gung-ho for 90 minutes is obviously physically impossible and shouldn’t be attempted, but finding a balance of approach that isn’t a low block, two banks of four, defensive shape nor an unrelenting 3-2-5 has to be worked on.

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