Arsenal are the ‘best team in the world’ but must overcome ‘mental breakdown’ and avoid ‘nervousness’ to achieve major honours.

Viktor Gokeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz – the first German player to start for Arsenal in almost a year – were all on the scoresheet as their Kazakh opponents were unable to complete a late fightback.

But big doubts still hang over the Gunners’ trophy charge across the front four, according to Joe Cole.

The former Chelsea star insisted Mikel Arteta and his team need to overcome the “mental breakdown” of the previous campaign and avoid the “tension” that exists at home.

Cole said, “The only thing they have to overcome is this kind of mental breakdown that they tend to have. I’ve talked to friends who go there. It’s in the stadium, it’s the nerves.”

“You can feel it when you go there. Mikel Arteta has to find a way around that.”

Highlights: Arsenal complete historic perfect league phase in style

Video credit: TNT Sports

And Ally McCoist agreed with Cole’s assessment, insisting that the tension in the stands was felt by the players on the pitch.

“I don’t care what anyone says,” McCoist replied. “That comes across on the pitch. When you’re in that crowd and there’s a natural nervousness and you’re worried and concerned, it’s transferred onto the pitch.

“In that case, the player has to take on additional responsibility to go beyond that.”

“I would say they are better equipped for that now than they have ever been,” said the former Liverpool captain. “I think the team has become stronger. With the set-piece situation now, it seems like they have more ways to win.

“And the other important thing is, are City in a transition period? Is Liverpool in a transition period as well? So maybe their exit will help Arsenal as well.

“But they are definitely better equipped for it. So to have achieved eight out of eight (in the Champions League), you have to give them some recognition.”

Gokeres: “Arsenal can compete with anyone in Europe”

Video credit: TNT Sports

And journalist Rory Smith has made it clear that he feels the Gunners are the best team on the planet and their depth makes them strong candidates to win silver this season.

“Arsenal are the best team in the world at the moment,” Smith insisted. “They are. To win all eight games is to be at the top of the Premier League.

“They may not be the most fluent ever, but their team is very deep. With Havertz back, scoring tonight is really important.”

“There’s a lot to play for and it’s stressful. It’s stressful to compete. For the fans, it’s really…like waking up and thinking about it, but they haven’t won the league in 21 years. The fans are really into it.”