Bacary Sagna has revealed why Arsenal feared playing Chelsea because “in our heads they were bigger than us.”

Sagna, who departed Arsenal for Manchester City in search of more silverware, claimed that the Gunners’ failings when competing against big teams was partly how they dealt with the pressure.

He told the club’s In Lockdown podcast: “I believe we under-evaluated ourselves. Playing for Chelsea image-wise was something different

“They used their image a lot, they used to have some big players in the national team and we used to talk about them more than they talked about us.

“Maybe in our heads, they were bigger players than us.

“On the pitch, we had as much quality as they had whenever we played, and when we played the Arsenal way nobody could beat us.

“I believed nobody could beat us. We used to play simple passes, one, two-touches maximum. But I believe we under-evaluated ourselves which is a big mistake in life.”

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he wants to extend Odion Ighalo’s loan deal with the striker set to leave at the end of the week.

Manchester United are yet to make an offer to Shanghai Shenhua for Odion Ighalo, but Solskjaer is hopeful the club can extend his loan spell so he can “finish off what he started”.

But United remain in talks to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

Shenhua will only agree to a permanent deal or an extension to his loan that incorporates an obligation to buy. Ighalo would be likely to cost upwards of £20m.

The Red Devils boss told MUTV: “The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back.

“We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.

“It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us.

“At the moment, nothing has been agreed. Their league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.”