England legend sees signs of panic at Arsenal before Sporting clash | OneFootball

Sporting are preparing to host Arsenal at a time when doubts are beginning to emerge in England. Despite their comfortable lead in the Premier League, the Gunners arrive after two consecutive defeats. The losses against Manchester City and Southampton have raised questions, including from Gary Lineker.

"Southampton played exceptionally well and Arsenal were not up to the task. People are asking whether they are panicking or whether this is a crisis: there was definitely a stumble. It is obviously easier to analyse after they have lost, but I thought there was a slight sign of panic in Arsenal after the game against City", he said on the podcast "The Rest Is Football".

The former British striker doubled down on his opinion. "Most of those players ended up coming into the game at St. Mary's and I just wonder whether that did not show a bit of panic at a time when calm and confidence were needed", he added.

It is worth remembering that the English side have already conceded 21 goals in 23 matches in 2026, well above the 13 they had let in by the end of 2025. The dip helps explain their recent loss of consistency. Their attacking efficiency has also dropped, with just 11 shots on target in the last eight matches.

The green-and-white side will return to action next Tuesday, 7 April, against Arsenal. The match, the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, will be played at the José Alvalade Stadium at 8pm.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.