As the Premier League dream dies, Arsenal again revived their role of perennial underachievers as they became victims of their own minds in a dramatic 2-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers.
Robin Van Persie may have sparked hope into Arsene Wenger's men when he made history by scoring in seven consecutive league away games, and in the process beating Chelsea's Didier Drogba.
However, that was the only bit of hope and beating of their rivals the Gunners were going to get at the Reebok, as Tamir Cohen netted the most significant winner of the season.
The Israeli's pinpoint header preceded a moving tribute to his late father, former Liverpool star Avi Cohen, before gifting Manchester United the Premier League title, giving Chelsea a small glimmer of hope and virtually destroying Arsenal and Arsene Wenger's desperate dream of winning major silverware this season.
It was the definitive moment in the title race and truly emphasised Arsenal's hamartia.
The team from North London lacks both a team efficacy and in some cases self-efficacy, that is, the belief in their ability and competence to win.
After going behind to Bolton, and in previous games when going ahead against Tottenham Hotspur, the Gunners just don't seem to believe in their ability to bounce back, or hold on and win the game.
It's most evident whenever Arsenal go on the attack, as they notoriously try to almost walk the ball into the net.
These Arsenal players don't necessarily want to score the perfect goal; they just want to score the easiest goal, getting into such a position where it's almost impossible to hit the ball wide.
It appears the midfielders and attackers don't believe they'll score if they have a shot from outside the penalty area, no matter how much time and space they have.
It was clear throughout the match at Bolton and throughout the season. One notable example from Sunday's game was when substitute Marouane Chamakh broke through the defence and had a chance on goal.
Instead of trying to head the ball over Jussi Jaaskelainen, Chamakh opted to head it across to Samir Nasri, who was expecting the Morocco international to try his luck on goal and thus couldn't position himself accordingly to have a shot.
But it's just not in attack. It's becoming increasingly apparent Arsenal doesn't have much faith in their defence or goalkeeper, epitomised by the lack of communication at times between Wojciech Szczesny and his centre-backs.
Back passes are rarely an option, and whenever the ball is played back, the holding midfielders are rushing back to make sure there's not problem, which can create a bad atmosphere in the camp due to a clear lack of trust.
And that's the problem, the lack of back passes means Arsenal continue at a high tempo, even when they're ahead, therefore meaning they're much more susceptible to the counter-attack, while it also does nothing to help prevent fatigue in the closing stages.
Some Arsenal players might believe they're capable of scoring winners and defending with their lives. However, their biggest problem is they don't trust their teammates.
Nicklas Bendtner reportedly has huge self-confidence, genuinely believing that every time he has a shot on goal and doesn't score it's not his fault.
But when it comes to the team, he like most of his teammates, doesn't seem to fully believe they will score the winner and keep a clean sheet.
Arsene Wenger has done a tremendous job at Arsenal and is very well respected at London Colney.
However, one thing Le Professor hasn't done is instil trust and belief within the team, which is the fundamental flaw that has cost Arsenal their dreams of winning the Premier League.
The Gunners can draft psychologists all they want to get the players believing in themselves, but it comes down to the boss to spread that belief across the team.
Whether it's his fault or not, Wenger hasn't been able to do that, so Arsenal have become victims of their own minds, not trusting themselves or their teammates.
It's been widely suggested that the Gunners need to strengthen their squad if they're to win the title next season.
What Arsenal need to do first and foremost however, is strengthen their minds, and starting believing as players and part of the team, that yes, we can win the Premier League.
Radha Mitchell Melissa Rycroft Chloë Sevigny Janet Jackson Georgianna Robertson
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