Way before the the 4-4 with Newcastle...

Earlier today I read the article on SS where 'Ivanovic dismisses Utd fears': http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_7176916,00.html and at the very end he says "Every tackle, every pass, everything, you feel directly how strong your opponent's performance is".

This naturally got me onto thinking about our frequently mustered "mental strength". Mr Wenger is a keen advocate of psychology in the modern game and he is or at least was, the first one to credit the team for their strength in the mental department. However I fear the manager doth protest too much.

Last season saw us 'capitulate' (another term coined by followers of the game) against the likes of Newcastle surrendering a generous lead leaving doubt and lack of self belief amongst our crop of relatively inexperienced squad. This was an undeniable kick in the nether regions and the mood continued for the remainder of the season where we slowly but surely lost all hope of honours. The lowest point of all being the CC imo. We can pretend to care not about the CC but facing defeat in such a manner at that critical time was deathly. New signings to fill the voids left can and hopefully will bring on a new sense of belief but it's going to take some effort.

Ivanovic's words have stuck in my mind for I truly believe that we are on the receiving end of such insight.

"Every tackle, every pass, everything, you feel directly how strong your opponent's performance is".

We were cautious and many of our own fans indicated fears for of failure prior to the CC final. A team like Arsenal should be exerting fear into their opponents with every move but the past few seasons I seldom feel this and I can't help but feel that PL teams can smell blood and they no longer play with respect or fear for us.

The last time I genuinely felt AFC imposing its style and ability in a convincing manner was when our midfield consisted of Hleb, Flamini, Fabregas and Rosicky during the 07/08 season. Players in their prime and feeding off each other's confidence and striking fear into the opposition, moving the ball with pace and grace and showing signs of how a dominant team faces its opposition. For a moment we thought Wenger had found a bone fide formula to succeed the Invincible era but alas, no. It has petered out to our current situation.

We by no means have a bad crop of players but there's a distinct lack of self belief amongst the individual players once the shirt is on. Is this the England effect? Are they bowing to the pressure of the fans and media?

Bottom line is I get the impression that we've flattered to deceive over the past few seasons and our lack of mental strength as a unit is what prevents us from putting together a string of thoroughly convincing performances.

How do you buy confidence and how much does it cost? Perhaps we should ask Gary O'Connor?

Sorry for the ramblings, I'm not allowed out to the pub tonight...