"Most of these guys..." - Former Spurs midfielder claims Arsenal have been "found out"

Rafael van der Vaart claimed Arsenal had been “found out” before the Gunners’ Premier League defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday.

City seized the initiative in the title race with a ruthless 3-1 win over the Gunners at the Emirates.

The crucial win sees Pep Guardiola’s side leapfrog Arsenal to go top of the table on goal difference, albeit having played a game more than their title challengers.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side may go back to the drawing board having picked up just one point from their last three games.

And the often outspoken Van der Vaart admitted hours before Arsenal’s bruising defeat to City that he can see the Premier League title race turning into a three-way battle, between last night’s protagonists and Manchester United.

Van der Vaart on Arsenal

Van der Vaart, who spent two years at Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur between 2010 and 2012, claimed the Gunners have been “found out”.

Van der Vaart told Ladbrokes (via the Metro): “I think Arsenal are showing signs of slipping up.

“First of all I have to say Mikel Arteta is doing a fantastic job, and he’s brought some much-needed stability back to that club. The players love him and this is a result of all of those things coming together.

“But most of those guys aren’t used to the pressure that comes with a title race. That’s what they’re feeling now.

“They’ve had a run of games now without winning, and Manchester City have closed the gap. I just don’t think they’re the same anymore. Maybe I’m totally wrong; this is just my feeling.

“If Manchester City and United can keep up their form, then I think it’s going to be really close at the end of the season between all three teams.

“Would I go as far as to say Arsenal have been found out a little? Maybe. I think the biggest shock at the beginning of the season was just how they played; they seemed to control every game, no matter who the opponent was, and that really surprised me.

“That means they’re ready to be champions, but also they’re now thinking in the back of their minds about the points they’ve dropped, and the chances they’ve missed to pull even further ahead in the title race.

“The mental side of the game is really going to play a huge part in their season; I think it’ll be more of a challenge than an opponent they’ll come across this year.

“Football-wise, I think they’re right up there on the same level with City. But City are hunters, and when you’re hunting, you can sense any sign of an opportunity ahead of you – and that’s exactly what they’ve got right now, with Arsenal struggling.”

Topics: Football, Manchester City, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Rafael van der Vaart

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.