Arsenal have received a powerful reminder about the importance of staying focused during the decisive final weeks of the Premier League title race.
Arsenal legend David O’Leary made 722 appearances for the club between 1975 and 1993.
During his legendary spell in north London, O’Leary helped Arsenal win two First Division titles, two FA Cups and two League Cups.
Now the former defender has delivered a brutally honest warning to manager Mikel Arteta and his players about the enormous opportunity in front of them this season.
During an appearance on The Overlap, Gary Neville asked O’Leary whether he would rather see Arsenal win the Premier League or the UEFA Champions League if only one trophy was possible.
The Arsenal legend delivered a passionate response that highlighted the pressure currently surrounding the club.
The centre-back replied (via The Overlap): “I have to go because of the way it would look. I would say the Premier League because the people would accuse of bottling it.
“I think if we don’t win it this year, we will never have the better chance to win it.
“This squad is probably the best one, balance wise. If you are not going to win with this squad in this position you are now, I fear you will never do it.”
Winning the UEFA Champions League would be a dream come true for many Arsenal players.
However, the Gunners cannot afford to sacrifice their Premier League ambitions while chasing European glory.
Arsenal currently sit two points clear of Manchester City with only two league matches remaining in the campaign.
That means Arteta and his squad still control their own destiny in the title race.
Two victories would finally allow Arsenal to reclaim the Premier League crown after a painful 22-year wait.
The Gunners will next welcome Burnley to the Emirates Stadium in a fixture many supporters expect them to dominate.
Their final game of the campaign is against Crystal Palace.
Palace may also heavily rotate their squad for that fixture because of their upcoming UEFA Conference League final just three days later.
Arsenal could have won the league title with a few games remaining but they allowed Man City to come back into the title chase.
Despite those setbacks, the Gunners remain in pole position and still have fortune firmly in their own hands.
As O’Leary warned, Arsenal simply cannot afford to let this golden opportunity slip away.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com