Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has launched a fresh attack on Arsenal, suggesting their own supporters could be a decisive factor in another potential title race collapse. The ex-Watford forward pointed to the negative atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium following last weekend's defeat to Manchester United as evidence of a fanbase lacking the necessary nerve.
Deeney's 'Cojones' Criticism Resurfaces
Deeney's comments mark a revival of his infamous 2017 jibe, where he questioned whether Arsenal possessed the "cojones" for a physical battle after Watford's victory. Nearly a decade later, he is now directing similar criticism towards the Gunners' fanbase, claiming their anxious energy transmits directly to the players on the pitch.
The Emirates Atmosphere Under Scrutiny
The Emirates Stadium was once notorious for a toxic atmosphere, but in recent years under Mikel Arteta, it had transformed into a fortress of positive support. However, Deeney argues that this progress is now under threat. He described witnessing palpable panic in the stands during Arsenal's match against Brighton last month, even when the team held a comfortable 2-0 lead.
"Then the Seagulls pulled one back and instantly it was panic stations in the stands," Deeney told The Sun. "Everyone in the ground throwing a wobbler. That will have a real impact on the pitch."
Pressure Mounts on Arteta's Arsenal
Arsenal's loss to Manchester United was their first home defeat of the season, allowing rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa to close the gap to just four points. The team has finished as runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, intensifying the pressure to finally secure the championship. The full-time boos last weekend, a rarity in recent years, highlighted the growing tension.
Deeney was unequivocal in his assessment: "If Arsenal do manage to blow this season’s title race, their panicking fans will have to take a big chunk of the blame." He characterised the current vibe at the Emirates as one of doubt and a need for constant reassurance, which he believes undermines the team's resilience.
A Historical Grudge Continues
The roots of Deeney's criticism trace back to a post-match interview in 2017. After Watford's 2-1 win over Arsenal, then-manager Arsène Wenger blamed a controversial penalty decision for the loss. Deeney publicly dismissed this, instead attributing the defeat to a lack of courage.
"I have to watch what I say," he said at the time, "but it's [having] a bit of cojones, is what I'll say. Whenever I play against Arsenal, I'll go up and think 'let me whack the first one and see who wants it'."
This latest intervention suggests Deeney believes a similar psychological fragility, now emanating from the stands, could once again be Arsenal's undoing in the pursuit of Premier League glory.
