Coach Mikel Arteta believes that the pain of the defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final can help Arsenal break through in the final stage of the season. However, maintaining the spirit after being eliminated from the FA Cup by Southampton is not easy at all.
That is a big question raised after the shocking defeat at St Mary's. Facing a lower-ranked team in the quarterfinals - despite Southampton's good form - was once seen as a great opportunity for Arsenal to return to Wembley, thereby nurturing hopes of ending the 6-year title drought.
Arteta admitted responsibility after the defeat and affirmed: "If anyone has to take responsibility, it's me".
Meanwhile, a draw with Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-finals (if any) is still considered an acceptable result, and the leading gap in the Premier League is still safe enough.
However, reality shows that Arsenal is no longer as solid as before. Arteta's once stable and reliable squad is showing signs of shaking at the most important moment.
Expectations for a quadruple have now turned into concerns about whether they can win any titles or not. Man City's victory in the Carabao Cup final, plus Liverpool's destruction, further increased pressure on Arsenal after the defeat on the south coast.
Although still 9 points ahead of Man City and having one match to play, the upcoming schedule with matches against Bournemouth and then the away trip to Etihad makes everything unpredictable.
Therefore, Arsenal fans have reason to worry. The Citizens have proven they know how to accelerate in the decisive stage, while Arsenal is facing a major test of bravery.
Tension seems to be causing the Emirates team to make more mistakes at key moments. At Wembley, Kepa Arrizabalaga made a mistake leading to a goal conceded against Man City. At St Mary's, Ben White made a wrong prediction, creating conditions for Ross Stewart to score.
According to statistics, Arsenal has conceded 8 goals from personal fouls in just 23 recent matches - an alarming number. Arteta admitted that the team has problems with long balls, when they have given the opponent many opportunities to face the goalkeeper.
Rotation of personnel, especially the central defender position, also contributes to the instability of the defense system.
Although the injury list is not too long, many pillars of The Gunners have not yet reached their best fitness. Gabriel Magalhaes shows signs of injury recurrence, while Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are absent, affecting control and attacking ability. The absence of Eberechi Eze also reduces creativity in the front line.
Although no longer overwhelming like their peak seasons, Guardiola's team still maintains the "WIN DNA" in the sprint stage. They may not need long wins like previous seasons, but with the remaining 7 rounds, their current form is enough to nurture hopes of reversing the situation.
And for Arsenal, the problem now is not just points, but also bravery. The next two weeks will be the clearest answer to the question of whether they have enough qualities of a champion or not.
I am really disappointed with the way we lost, but I love my players. What they have shown over the past 9 months is extraordinary. I will not criticize them just for one defeat" - Arteta shared.
