Patrick Vieira has cast doubt on Arsenal's mental fortitude following their recent 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester United in a Premier League match. The loss, coupled with dropped points in their previous two matches, has narrowed Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to just four points, with Manchester City and Aston Villa close behind.

Vieira, a former Arsenal captain and midfield icon, suggested that the manner of the defeat, rather than the defeat itself, raised concerns about the team's psychological resilience. "There are still some questions about the mental strength of the team," Vieira told Sky Sports. "That performance they will be really disappointed with, not because they lose the game but the way they lose the game".

Arsenal had initially taken the lead in the match and appeared dominant, but Manchester United fought back, exposing vulnerabilities in the Gunners' defense and capitalizing on key moments. Vieira specifically pointed to the performance of Arsenal's attacking players, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, stating that they "didn't produce enough to create danger for United". He emphasized the need for a leader within the team to elevate the team's spirit, inject more energy into their play, and encourage them to take more risks. "They need a leader to lift the spirit of the team," Vieira stated. "They need someone to make them understand when they are on the field they need to play with more energy and take more risks because they have the quality".

Echoing Vieira’s sentiments, former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane suggested that the pressure of leading the Premier League title race might be weighing heavily on Arsenal.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the need for his team to respond strongly to the defeat. When asked about Vieira's comments on the team's mental strength, Arteta responded, "We have to". Arteta also said after the match, "First of all, congratulations to Man United for the victory...very, very disappointed obviously, but it's a moment, especially after losing, and the joy and everything that those players are giving us, and me in particular, to take responsibility myself and be very close to them because it's exactly what they deserve".

The defeat against Manchester United marks the third loss of the season for Arsenal, who have now dropped seven points in their last three matches. This slump in form has intensified the pressure on Arteta's squad as they strive to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League and compete for the title. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can overcome these mental hurdles and demonstrate the resilience required to secure the Premier League crown.