LONDON -- The debate over whether Arsenal can handle a Premier League title run-in just grew louder.
After falling short last season despite holding an eight-point lead at the beginning of April, the principal challenge this time around for manager Mikel Arteta was evolving the Gunners into a more robust proposition to last the pace.
There had been clear signs of progress in that regard this season, but the manner of Thursday's 2-0 defeat to West Ham will spark familiar questions about whether Arsenal can triumph in what is threatening to be a multiway fight to be champions.