Hernandez – Arsenal cracked

Hernandez: Has been a revelation in his debut campaign with 19 goals in all competitions

Javier Hernandez believes Arsenal buckled under the pressure of chasing a treble with the Gunners now looking likely to finish up empty-handed.

By February, Arsenal were in a Carling Cup final, the FA Cup fifth round, the UEFA Champions League second round and also provided the biggest threat to Manchester United’s title charge.

However, the wheels came off their season as a cup final defeat to Birmingham was followed by Champions League and FA Cup exits to Barcelona and United respectively.

Poor league form followed and the Gunners now trail United by nine points in the Premier League. Hernandez insists the league leaders would never have crumbled in the same circumstances.

“I believed Arsenal would be our main opponents – they have excellent players,” he told The Sun.

“Perhaps the pressure damaged them, those defeats against Barcelona and Birmingham in the Carling Cup final.

‘Spirit and History’

“But United is a team that never knows when it is defeated. Our spirit and history creates fear in our rivals.

“If we are 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go, people know we can come back. That doesn’t happen at other clubs.”

Arsenal host champions-elect United on Sunday, requiring a win to keep their faint title hopes alive, and they will also require a favour from Chelsea, who visit Old Trafford next weekend.

“They will be difficult to beat so once again we must put in a big effort,” said Hernandez about Arsenal.

“We also have to play Chelsea. I know they will fight until the last minute to protect their title but the outcome is in our hands.

“If we win these matches we win the Premier League.”