It's one of our biggest bugbears that the narrative of every tight title race centres around 'chokers' and 'bottlejobs'. No longer, apparently, do teams simply run out of steam, struggle with injury absences, get their tactics wrong, or, heaven forbid, be beaten by a better team.
Now, every single dropped point is attributed to a perceived mental weakness. The team at the top has always been there to shoot at, but the social media age has created an overpowering portrayal.
No team knows that better than Arsenal. It might be North London rivals, and Sunday's opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, who have struggled to shake their 'Spursy' tag, but Arsenal have attached themselves to their own unwanted label.
Three consecutive campaigns as Premier League runners-up have created a reputation that the Gunners are a team of consistency, but with a tendency to collapse under pressure in crucial moments. Recent results have added fuel to that fire.
Since beating Bournemouth last month to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal have won just twice in seven Premier League games. Fatigue? Nerves? The jury is out.
Their most recent fixture saw Mikel Arteta's side surrender a two-goal lead against a Wolves side with a solitary win all season. The last-gasp equaliser from the home side came after an uncharacteristic mistake from David Raya and Gabriel, whose stoppage-time miscommunication cost their side two points.
Manchester City have emerged in the rear-view mirror as a result and have cut the gap to two points. It is the Citizens who, perhaps, have helped create the chokers' narrative. A juggernaut across the last decade, the consistency of City has meant any setback is catastrophised for sides aiming to oust them at the summit. Arsenal fell short despite an 89-point haul in 2023-24, while Liverpool have twice topped 90 points and have not got over the line. That's the standard City have set.
Pep Guardiola's side do not carry the same invincibility of recent seasons, but their title know-how and ability to raise it in pressured moments is something Arsenal are yet to demonstrate.
On Saturday night, City's celebrations after edging Newcastle indicated their belief that the race is on. A stunning last-gasp stop from Gianluigi Donnarumma was an individual moment that can turn a season.
Can Arsenal find something similar? Who will be the player to make that difference when the heat is on?
The North London derby is always huge, but this one feels bigger than most. Arsenal need to shift the semantics and show real championship credentials.