Patrick Vieira has issued a rallying cry to Arsenal, insisting 'they know how to win' despite the Gunners' alarming drop-off in form. The Arsenal legend, who last lifted the Premier League title for the club, urged the current squad to remember their quality and team spirit as they face a late-season slump.
The Gunners have chosen the worst time to experience a dip, with Manchester City taking top spot on Wednesday night. Arsenal had led the league for more than 200 days but now trail City only by goals scored. However, their form is a major concern: they have lost four of their last six games, including exits from both domestic cups, and defeats to Bournemouth and City have eroded their lead.
Vieira's Message: Trust Your Quality
Vieira, speaking to the club's website, said: 'I think I just want them to remind themselves where they are and why they are where they are. Meaning that they are at the top of the league, they are in the semi-final of the Champions League, and you can't reach that level with no quality, with no team spirit and with no togetherness.'
He added: 'It's about winning games, they know how to do it because they've been doing it for the last seven, eight months. When we are in the last sprint, I will say it, it's important not to forget the quality that brings them where they are today because that will help them to win.'
Arsenal's Title Race History
Arsenal have endured late-season slumps before and need to find form to fight back against City. The squad lacks experience of winning silverware, with a six-year trophy drought. Manager Mikel Arteta faces questions if they fall short again, having led in 2023 and 2024 before late losses allowed City to overtake them.
City's FA Cup commitments mean Arsenal will play twice before City's next league game. Arsenal could open up a six-point gap, but that requires them to win in the league for the first time since March 14, when they beat Everton. Guardiola has told his team they need to be perfect in their final five games to retain the title.
