William Gallas has said that the 'only problem Arsenal could have is themselves' in their bid to win the Premier League title.
Despite their recent wobble in which they picked up just two points from games with Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, the Gunners are massive favourites to win a first Premier League crown in more than 20 years.
Currently 1/5 to win the league, Mikel Arteta knows his side's fate rests entirely in their own hands, with the only question being whether they have the mental fortitude to see the campaign out having fallen short in each of the last three seasons.
While it would perhaps be unfair to suggest that Arsenal 'bottled it' in their previous title tilts having battled injuries at the business end of their battles with Manchester City, Gallas believes it has still left them with a tag they need to shake.
Speaking to bet365, Gallas said: "Outside of England, people still have the same question – can they win the Premier League? They’re not really sure because Arsenal have been in that situation the last few years where they didn’t win the league, but it’s not just outside of England, even in England, Arsenal fans are in the same situation and they’re nervous at every game.
"Sometimes they can make a mistake but this season everything is open for them to be champions. I sometimes think their own nerves get in their way, but I think they have a great chance to win the league."
There is a palpable tension at the Emirates at the moment, particularly after dropping points in back-to-back home games, but Gallas insists players must rise above the nervousness emanating from the stands.
"If the fans are nervous, it’s because they are worried about seeing their team lose again, but as a player you can’t be nervous," Gallas added. "Why be nervous? You are on top of the league, six points clear, you have to dominate almost every game, even when you play against big clubs.
"What happened against Manchester United is very difficult to accept, because you’re at home and if you can’t win you have to at least draw, but you concede the late goal.
"I know all the players want to be champions but they can’t put so much pressure on their shoulders because when you look at their opponents – Manchester City, Aston Villa – they’re not strong enough to be champions. Arsenal have to realise they can win every game."
Arteta's side have come under scrutiny for their perceived reliance on set pieces with a third of their goals coming from dead balls, but Gallas feels some of the criticism is unfair.
"I don't think Arteta minds what people say because at the end of the day they will judge him on the result and whether they win the league or not.
"It doesn’t matter if you win games on set pieces; set pieces were always a part of the game and they’re a little more focussed on that but when they play I’ve seen Arsenal dominate their opponents, so I don’t really agree when people say Arsenal only win games because of set pieces."
