They can’t handle pressure - Patrice Evra questions Arsenal’s mentality in Premier League title race

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has questioned whether Arsenal possess the mentality required to win the Premier League title, warning that the league leaders may struggle to cope with the mounting pressure at the top.

The Gunners’ two-point lead was placed under scrutiny after their 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa, a result sealed by Emi Buendía’s late winner that snapped an 18-game unbeaten run.

With Manchester City tightening the gap following their victory over Sunderland, concerns are rising over Arsenal’s consistency and resilience, particularly as injuries continue to limit Mikel Arteta’s squad depth.

Speaking to Tribal Football, Evra expressed doubts about Arsenal’s ability to sustain a title challenge throughout the season.

He said, “My problem with Arsenal is they're going to give you hope they're going to win the league. You remember they had a good gap on second place and now they’re only a few points in front.”

The Frenchman, long known for his playful rivalry with Arsenal, once referred to the club as his “babies” during his playing days.

He clarified that his comments come from a place of respect rather than malice.

“It's really difficult because every time I talk about Arsenal, it's banter. I love Arsenal because of the football they played back in the day,” he explained.

He added, “Arsenal was the first team I watched in the Premier League because Thierry Henry invited me… I remember saying, ‘okay, I need to play in this league’.”

Despite Arsenal’s strong position and recent squad improvements, including the addition of a new striker, Evra remains unconvinced they can handle the intensity of a title run-in.

He added, “I don’t know if they can handle the pressure. They’ve got everything now. So I don't think it's an excuse for them to fail this year.”

Evra also suggested that the Gunners have drifted away from the trademark fluid football that once defined them.

“I watched an Arsenal game a few weeks ago and people were saying they were playing good football, but they are playing direct. They don't even play from the back… that’s not what I want to see. I just have that feeling of Arsenal not being a winning team,” he noted.

Arsenal will now aim to silence critics and steady their title push when they host Wolves currently bottom of the Premier League, at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.