Arsenal are flying high, brimming with confidence, and tipped by many to finally end their long wait for silverware. Yet, according to former Premier League forward Joe Cole, there’s one unexpected hurdle standing in their way: their own supporters.
The Gunners have not lifted a major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 2020, and the hunger for glory has only intensified since.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have gradually transformed into genuine contenders both domestically and in Europe. After falling agonisingly short of the Premier League title last season and faltering in Europe, the club responded decisively over the summer with smart, targeted recruitment that plugged key gaps in the squad.
This season, the Emirates outfit has its eyes firmly fixed on the two biggest prizes in football, the Premier League and the Champions League. And while pundits and fans alike agree Arsenal now boast the quality and depth required, Joe Cole believes there’s a hidden danger that could creep in just when it matters most.
The Weight of Expectation
Speaking to Metro, Cole highlighted how the second half of the season, particularly April and May, will be the true test of Arsenal’s mentality.
“If you could fast forward to April or May and Arsenal are still in the Champions League, which I think they will be, the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and they’re still chasing the league. That’s the time they’ll trip themselves up, if they’ve not developed, because they’ve got to be able to work out how to compete every three days with the pressure,” Cole explained.
For the former Chelsea and West Ham star, the danger lies not in Arsenal’s quality but in how they cope with the relentless grind of competing on multiple fronts. Playing every three days, balancing high-intensity Premier League fixtures with the demands of knockout Champions League ties, requires a level of resilience and focus that Arsenal, in recent years, have not always managed to sustain.
Fans Adding Pressure
Cole also believes that supporters, despite their passionate backing, may inadvertently heap too much pressure on the team during the run-in.
“And the fans do this silly thing where they start getting nervous, because it’s been such a long time,” he added.
The Emirates atmosphere has been electric in recent seasons, often driving the team forward in crucial moments. But with two decades having passed since Arsenal last won the league, there is an undercurrent of anxiety.
The fear of history repeating itself near-misses, collapses, heartbreak, can spill into the stands. And Cole argues that this nervous energy can transfer onto the pitch, unsettling players when composure is most needed.
Learning from the Past
Arsenal’s collapse in the 2022/23 campaign is a cautionary tale. Leading the table for much of the season, the Gunners faltered in the final weeks, dropping crucial points that allowed Manchester City to pounce. Many analysts pointed to squad fatigue, lack of experience, and nerves as decisive factors.
This time, with a stronger squad, greater depth, and stars like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Eze reaching new levels, Arsenal appear better prepared. Yet, as Cole warns, external pressure, particularly from fans desperate for success, remains a variable that could tip the balance.
Arsenal’s Strengths and Why This Season Could Be Different
Despite his caution, Cole admitted he sees Arsenal as serious contenders for both the Premier League and Champions League. And he is not alone.
Arteta’s side have arguably the most balanced squad in the league. The defensive solidity provided by Saliba and Gabriel, coupled with the dynamism of Rice and Zubi in midfield and the creativity of Martin Ødegaard and Eze, gives Arsenal a spine capable of competing with Europe’s elite. Meanwhile, the forward line of Bukayo Saka, Victor Gyokores, and Gabriel Martinelli provides pace, flair, and end product.
Equally important is the squad depth that Arsenal lacked in previous campaigns. The summer signings were designed not just to strengthen the first XI but also to ensure the team can rotate without significant drop-off. Competing every three days, as Cole referenced, requires exactly that.
The Psychological Battle
Cole’s comments ultimately shine a light on the psychological side of Arsenal’s pursuit. Winning major trophies is not just about tactics, fitness, or form, it’s about managing expectation, pressure, and nerves when the stakes are highest.
“They’ve got to really find a way, Arsenal, at the back end of the season, because there’s no doubt, they’ll be there with the quality they’ve got,” Cole concluded.
That “way” may involve Arteta shielding his players from external noise, ensuring the focus remains on performance rather than pressure. It may involve senior players stepping up to guide the younger stars through testing moments. And crucially, it may require fans to channel their passion into unwavering support rather than anxious energy.
