Fabregas says Arsenal afraid of losing big games

LONDON - Cesc Fabregas has admitted Arsenal were “scared” of losing to Manchester United at Old Trafford last Monday and that they fear defeat in major fixtures.

Arsenal lost 1-0 to a Park Ji-sung header to continue a dire run against United, who beat them home and away in the league last season.

Arshne Wenger’s side have also lost their last four league games against Chelsea, the reigning champions.

“They [United] were more aggressive than us. They have the belief that comes from not losing at all [in the league] this season. That gives you a lot of help mentally. I’m realizing more and more that football is all about confidence and mentality. Sometimes you do the right thing but, if people tell you it’s not right, you start believing it, even though you were right at first,” The Sun quoted Fabregas, as saying.

He added: “I think the difference on the night was that we were scared of losing but they were not scared of winning.That was a big difference that played in our heads. Sometimes we seem scared of losing these big games - we don’t really go for it and we’re tempted to drop back and see what the opposition do.”

Arsenal play Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, having been defeated 6-3 on aggregate by Pep Guardiola’s team in the quarter-finals last year. (ANI)