The Athletic FC Podcast Are Arsenal their own worst enemy?
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Jan 26, 2026 
Art De Roche, football reporter/analyst who studies player psychology and tactics, and Adam Crafton, in-depth match analyst, dissect Arsenal’s wobble. They debate mindset cracks, momentum shifts after going 1-0 up, creative drought among forwards, system predictability and possible midfield reconfigs. They also weigh the impact of fans, set-piece dependence and Manchester United’s resurgence.
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Nervousness Is Arsenal’s Biggest Opponent
- Arsenal's recent wobble is largely psychological, not just tactical or personnel-based.
- Adam Crafton says Arsenal are 'their own worst enemy' because nerves are costing points in big moments.
One-Goal Leads Trigger Composure Loss
- The team repeatedly loses composure after taking one-goal leads, creating a pattern across seasons.
- Art De Roche notes this anxiety appears in home crowds and affects Arsenal's ability to kill games off.
Tactics Matter More Than Crowd Anxiety
- If Arsenal fail to win the league, it's due to on-pitch decisions and structure, not fan nerves.
- Adam Crafton stresses tactical rigidity and creative limitations are more to blame than supporters' anxiety.