Fabregas: Arsenal ´scared´ of big games

Cesc Fabregas has admitted Arsenal are afraid to take the game to big opponents after their meek 1-0 defeat away to Manchester United.

Arsenal went down without putting up a fight at Old Trafford last week, the latest in a series of reverses against top teams when the pressure is on.

The captain has now revealed that the team has a mental barrier on the biggest stage – a worrying revelation ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League rematch with Barcelona in February.

“The difference on the night was that we were scared of losing but they were not scared of winning,” Fabregas said.

“That was the big difference that played in our heads. Sometimes we seem scared of losing these big games. We don’t really go for it and we’re tempted to drop back and see what the opposition will do.”

“We look to see if we are capable of beating them by what they are doing, and how good they are on the day, instead of us going forward, causing them problems, and dominating the game ourselves.”

“What we can say is that they were more aggressive than us. They have a belief that comes from not losing at all this season. That gives you a lot of help mentally.”

Despite acknowledging his team’s mental limitations, Fabregas believes there are certain aspects of the game where Arsenal need to back their own methods, rather than listen to the chorus of external criticism directed at the north London club.

“I am realising more and more that football is about confidence and mentality,” he said.

“Sometimes you do the right thing, but if people tell you it is not right, you start believing it, even though you were right at first.”

“We have already played all the games against the rest of the top four sides away from home. They have all got to come to the Emirates and we know that we can beat anyone at home. That gives us morale and confidence.”