Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal are cracking under the pressure of trying to see out their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Manchester City have reduced the gap to Arsenal to just six points ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash between the two championship rivals at the Etihad Stadium.
And although Rooney, a five-time Premier League winner for Manchester United, insists Arsenal can still fend off City’s challenge, even if they lose on Sunday, he believes Pep Guardiola’s side now hold the psychological edge.
Arsenal’s Gabriel struggled to contain his emotions following his side’s home defeat against Bournemouth
Arsenal’s Gabriel struggled to contain his emotions following his side’s home defeat against Bournemouth(Adam Davy/PA)
Arsenal’s defeat against Bournemouth at the Emirates on Saturday followed consecutive domestic losses to City, in the Carabao Cup final, and against Southampton in the FA Cup, and Rooney, speaking on the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney podcast, said: “It is the pressure of trying to win the Premier League.
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“You hear a lot of people talking about the experience of winning league titles, and they have quite a few players who have not won the league, and that pressure does build up.
“Obviously, they still have got a great chance to win the league, but they are showing signs they are cracking a little bit. City know how to do it, they have a manager who knows how to do it, and they look strong.
“When you have won it, you can stay calmer and not panic but the Arsenal players will be searching for the right answers because they haven’t done it.
Wayne Rooney won five Premier League titles with Manchester United
Wayne Rooney won five Premier League titles with Manchester United(Steve Welsh/PA)
“City will have the edge (psychologically). They will be able to stay calmer than the Arsenal players, who’ll be worried because when you go on a run and you lose a few games you start thinking: ‘Where is the next goal coming from?’ ‘Where is the next win going to come from?’ And that negative mindset really does have an impact on your performance.”
Arsenal will take on Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates on Wednesday as they bid to secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals. Following their impressive 3-0 win at Chelsea, City will not play again until they host Mikel Arteta’s men.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s pivotal match, Rooney continued: “A draw would be a good point for Arsenal. Anything to stop Man City winning.
“They will have to play dirty, be tough to break down and make sure there are no gaps between the lines, because that is where City can really hurt you, and then try and hit them on the break. Whether the fans like that or not, they (Arsenal) have to do everything to stop City from winning.”