Arsenal title winner Nigel Winterburn has revealed that he’s not worried the Gunners are dropping points but optimistic the team will lift the Premier League title.
The Gunners, after dropping four points from their last two games, return to action on Friday night at home against Southampton.
Asked if complacency was the problem, Winterburn, speaking on behalf of Buzz Casino, told Tribalfootball.com: “I’d like to think not, it’s hard to explain when you look at both games.
“Arsenal started so well in the first 30 minutes in both games so it’s not as if they played poorly. My theory is, it doesn’t matter how poor the opposition is against you, being away from home will produce periods where they’re going to get a hold in the game.
“The big thing that happened in both games was that Arsenal started great, got two goals ahead but didn’t hold that lead until half time. For me, that’s the big issue from the dropped points.
“If you imagine going into both of those games at half time 2-0 up, the pressure on the home team becomes completely different to the game being 2-1.
“That was the main issue, Arsenal didn’t hold that 2-0 advantage until half time which cost them four points.
“If they would have done that, then I believe Arsenal win both games. Mikel Arteta will have to look at why in essence the team got overrun in both of the second halves of those games, which is slightly worrying.”
Meanwhile, Winterburn insists the Gunners remain favourites for the title, with Manchester City four points behind and with a game in hand.
He continued: “Yes, but in saying that both teams will say the destiny of the title is in their own hands which is true.
“There are different ways of looking at it, I don’t personally believe it’s better to be chasing and putting pressure on the team above you, I just don’t buy that at all.
“For me, I want to be in the lead and have that points advantage because you know if that chasing team drops points, then it gives you a significant lift.
“I still prefer for Arsenal to be where they’ve been all season.
“Arsenal are well aware that the best team in the Premier League over the past five seasons are chasing them, with the biggest and strongest squad. They’re the marker in terms of wanting to go head-to-head with another team and it’s a great achievement for Arsenal to be in this position.
“Arsenal have got to try and see it out until the end and become champions.
“Although the last two games haven’t been great, it’s not the time to dwell on it and you’ve got to accept the challenge that is in front of you.
“Meet it full on and see where it takes you.”
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