Arsenal is still on the top of the English Premier League ladder, but as in previous years, the Gunners might be crumbling just when a first title since 2003\u201304 is within touching distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In early April, Arsenal had a commanding grip on the title \u2013 nine points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester City. Now it\u2019s just three (and City has played one less game).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This isn\u2019t the first time Arsenal has lapsed at late stages in recent years: last season they finished second behind Liverpool. In 2023\u20134 they finished runners-up behind Manchester City. They were second again the year before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arsenal fans are no doubt expecting another dose of late-season heartbreak \u2013 it\u2019s likely players and club staff are feeling similarly jittery. However, there are psychological strategies that could help them keep fighting until the final whistle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team led by Mikel Arteta recently eked out a 1-0 win against Newcastle United but before that had suffered two consecutive defeats: first against Bournemouth at home and then to Manchester City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking closely at these two matches, they had a similar dynamic: Arsenal conceded the first goal in the first half, scored the equaliser a few minutes later, and suffered defeat in the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This looks like a symptom. If you concede a goal earlier in a match, you need to put extra energy in to find an equaliser. At halftime, players should reset but the emotional cost of chasing an equaliser may impair their shift into a winning mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is choking under pressure: when fear of losing is bigger than the willingness to win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arsenal\u2019s players have a team of sport psychologists and mindset coaches at their disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the four key psychological tools they will probably use to improve consistency in these final rounds of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consistency is crucial for athletes, and predictability creates the space for players to become consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The basic assumption behind the concept is: if you keep doing the same things, you can expect the same results. Regardless of the level of competitive pressure, sport performance tends to become more stable when pre-performance routines are applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These routines can take many forms: some athletes might prefer to take a shower, or pray, visualise or meditate before a match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During games, many prefer to take a deep breath before a penalty (such as Cristiano Ronaldo) whereas others might fix their gaze on a single spot on the ball before shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key is, sport psychologists should help athletes tailor their pre-game or pre-shot routines to enhance performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n