Can Arsenal handle Premier League weight of expectation?

London: Top of both the Premier League and Champions League and still in both domestic cup competitions, Arsenal fans should be relishing what could y...

London: Top of both the Premier League and Champions League and still in both domestic cup competitions, Arsenal fans should be relishing what could yet turn out to be the greatest season in the Gunners' history.

But a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United has reopened the debate over whether Mikel Arteta's side can shrug off their tag of nearly men to deliver a first league title in 22 years.

Arsenal still hold a four-point lead over an inconsistent Manchester City and surprise-packages Aston Villa at the top of the table with 15 games to go.

Already assured of progression to the Champions League last 16, Arteta's men are also well placed to reach the League Cup final and have a favourable home draw against third-tier Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round.

But legendary former captain Patrick Vieira questioned the mental strength of the current Arsenal crop after a tentative display against United to lose at home for the first time this season.