Arsenal slipped up for the first time in the league since the turn of the year against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s men had won 10 of their last 11 Premier League games heading into the clash, while also earning a vital point at Manchester City.
Not many would have predicted Villa to walk away with a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend.
It leaves Arsenal two points behind league leaders Manchester City and level on points with Liverpool, who also suffered a surprise defeat to Crystal Palace.
The defeat has led to question marks over whether the Gunners can maintain their brilliant form during the run-in.
Arsenal were in a commanding position heading into April last season but a poor run of form led to City retaining their title.
But Ally McCoist has taken issue with what he’s heard about Arsenal following the defeat to Villa.
McCoist furious after recent Arsenal claims
Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist hit back at claims that Arsenal have ‘bottled’ the Premier League title.
“I hate it,” the Scotsman admitted. “I hate it. It’s the worst phrase in sport and 99 times out of 100 it’s used by people who don’t have any idea about playing at the level these guys and girls are competing at.
“Arsenal haven’t bottled anything! Arsenal, unless I’m mistaken, since they came back from the break I think they’ve won 11, kept a clean sheet and got a draw at City. Got themselves level in a Champions League tie and lost at home 2-0 to a side that has already beaten City and Arsenal before.
“Excellent side. Unai Emery’s side are having the season they can only dream of, effectively, the best season they’ve had in years. So, if that’s the term that’s been used I guess we’ve got to say the same about Liverpool then. I’ve never heard so much nonsense in my life.
“Liverpool could have and should’ve scored three, four or five goals. Really poor finishing. The poor finishing isn’t down to bottling it, it’s down to a level of inconsistency in front of goal and some fantastic defending.
“Arsenal played quite well. I think some people forget about the standard of quality of the opposition.
“I thought the centre-back for Villa, Carlos, that’s the best game I’ve seen him. He was absolutely brilliant.”
He added: “The term is a nonsense. You’ve got three teams of extreme quality going for one of the best titles we’ve seen in a long, long time. So what we’re saying is the one that wins it is great and the other two are bottlers. I’ve never heard such nonsense in all my life.”
Arsenal remain in Premier League title race
While there will be scars after what happened last season, Arsenal remain firmly in the mix for the title.
City have become renowned for putting runs together when it really matters but they have hardly looked flawless of late.
Arteta will have to pick his players up quickly ahead of a huge clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The Spaniard will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season and ensure Arsenal are in a position to capitalise should City slip up.
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