ARSENAL'S claim as Premiership contenders is fast diminishing this season.

Last season, Arsenal were only a few games from winning the league but were undone by their lack of mental strength and maturity during the title run-in. This is also evident in recent games where cool experienced heads were required. Lack of such veterans will also mean Arsenal are likely to finish games with fewer players on the pitch, and coupled with injuries, this is bound to hurt a light squad like theirs.

Arsenal play an attractive passing and dominating game but against teams that ply a physical trade, their inability to impose their game will inevitably cost them invaluable points. They do seem to be too frail to win against the likes of Stoke City.

Their incapability to finish off smaller opposing teams is another case for concern. They have had points stolen from them and when Arsene Wenger counts these lost points at the end of the season, Arsenal may even fail to hold their place in the Big Four.

Well-balanced squads that have a good blend of youth and experience have won the Premiership recently. Wenger's continued faith in youngsters will likely backfire and spoil their Premiership quest and end up with them scrambling for a Champion's League berth this season.

Pang Ching Soo, 33, professional car groomer, Spurs fan

(He wins himself a $200 shopping voucher from Crocodile and will be notified about prize collection after this month.)