Why AC Milan win exposes Arsenal’s fault-lines

Arsenal have a choice this morning. To feel good about themselves and rest on the unbeaten streak with the 3-0 victory over AC Milan. Or they can face the harsh truth.

When it mattered, they choked again.

The reason Arsenal are trophy-less for seven years can be zeroed down to the normally lethal Robin van Persie blowing a golden 58th-minute opening to hit No 4. .

That mental edge, that winning habit is still not there.

Cue Manchester United Ryan Giggs injury time winner against Norwich City.

Sure, as Arsene Wenger said in the aftermath of his “impossible” dream at the Emirates, the team can be proud.

Proud of giving themselves and the legions of Gunners’ fans hope – but the hope is for next season; unless, finishing fourth is now considered a major trophy.

The warning came from Arsenal legend Ian Wright who offered a sobering take in his match view in his column in The Sun.

“It will count for nothing if the Gunners are not playing in the Champions League next season and don't bring in players in the summer to support Robin van Persie,” Wright wrote.

That’s the other thing the amazing game last night exposed. Arsene Wenger’s stubbornness to build a strong bench.

When he took of the excellent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, he only had the waning Marouanne Chamakh to replace him.

Some will praise Wenger for sticking to his guns now that the Arsenal revival is in full flow.

The truth, on the other hand, is in football, playing for pride and the pride in winning a title are two completely different things.