Robert Pires fears November 'curse' could sabotage Arsenal title bid

Gunners legend Robert Pires last night admitted Arsenal’s “nasty November”  curse could wreck their title hopes.

Arsene Wenger’s 13-year reign as Arsenal manager has been plagued by bad luck and results during the 11th month of the year.

Arsenal have won three Premier League titles - including two Doubles - and yet have only ever had one perfect November, in 2005, since Wenger took charge in 1996.

Gunners boss Wenger has guided his team to second in the Premier League, but his hopes have been dealt a huge blow this week after Robin van Persie was ruled out for up to three months with ruptured ankle ligaments.

It leaves Arsenal short of cover with Nicklas Bendtner out and Wenger’s worst fears that November would decide whether his team can sustain a title challenge appear to have been realised.

Arsenal’s season fell apart 12 months ago amid dressing-room rows and they suffered devastating defeats to Stoke, Aston Villa and Manchester City before going on an unbeaten run to get into the top four.

But former France star Pires, 36, said: “The injuries always seem to have damaged Arsenal in the last few seasons and now again this is the difficult time between November and December.

“Teams that suffer a lot of problems during these months often miss out on winning the league. You play a lot of games, it’s difficult and it tests the squad.

“But for me, this is a big chance for players like Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin to be even more important and help Arsenal maintain their strong start.

“Arshavin is playing so well and the speed of Walcott can damage and hurt a lot of opponents.

“Arsene Wenger always has a strategy and ideas to overcome problems in the squad and missing players.

“Now Arsenal are missing some big players but I believe the club can still have a good season even though they will be without some attacking players.”

Arsenal travel to Sunderland on Saturday without van Persie and Bendtner, who are on the treatment table, while Abou Diaby is a fitness doubt after pulling out of France’s squad this week.

It leaves Wenger woefully short of options for the crucial next few games. Their next Premier League match after Sunderland is the top-of-the-table crunch with leaders Chelsea on Sunday, November 29.

Pires, who now plays in Spain for Villarreal, added: “These two matches against Sunderland and Chelsea will be the key for the future of Arsenal in the Premier League and I believe Arsenal will give their answer on the pitch.

“Cesc Fabregas is so important for Arsenal. With his character and pride it is always possible for Arsenal to win games, score goals and make sure the team has a very important season.

“But the young players will also have to step up and play a bigger part and they have the talent to do that.”

Wenger may be forced to use Eduardo or Arshavin as an emergency central striker at Sunderland, while Walcott is hoping to be back in the squad and at least make the bench.

Croatian international Eduardo insists that he can do the job for the team even though he has been struggling with injuries and is not a traditional centre forward.

Eduardo said: “The boss knows our qualities and how they can fit into a formation.

“For me it is fine to play on the left or the right, no problem, the most important thing is to help the team and I feel good in those positions.

“It is a formation that gives us more movement and more creativity through the middle, although it is not easy because we have to balance defence and attack and that can be difficult.”