Once again, a host of problems that are not exclusive to Arsenal have resurfaced and the Arteta out brigade are vocal, full of rage and negative bile. It’s a fact that their defence, not for the first time in successive games, has wobbled, the goals are flying in at the wrong end whilst Arsenal are finding it increasingly hard to make a dent at the other end, and this time, it happened against Everton
Worse than that, Arsenal’s game looks flat, directionless and free from passion. It was another magnolia performance by Arsenal against an Everton side that had failed to register a win in 8 successive games. Rafa Benitez had an organised, energised side that refused to give up, despite two Richarlison goals rightly being deemed offside.
The Brazilian had another goal in him, at least against a defence that has strangely become brittle and is shipping goals as part of an ill-conceived Christmas giveaway. 9 goals conceded in their last four games with a misleading 5 goals to their name are the cause of growing concern. The lack of attacking penetration invites endless pressure and that ultimately leads to goals.
The general lack of drive and desire is equally a problem, Arsenal look flat and clueless, often unambitious and like a team of strangers. All this at the business end of the season, where runs of form are crucial to the eventual standings in the Premier League. Six points dropped when they could have and should have snatched a draw, but the truth is they could have got a win in both the United and Everton games.
Here’s my view on the problems which deem to persist:
- When Arsenal score, they take their foot off the gas and meander around the pitch aimlessly
- They fail to apply further pressure having seized the advantage
- Their passing at times is that of a pub side, sometimes worse
- Their ball retention is extremely poor
- Arsenal struggle to score from open play
- The threat they pose is negligible
- The defence is suffering a crisis of confidence as a result of conceding goals by the team inviting pressure through a lack of combined threat.
- They now have a collection of strikers that are no more than average on the whole.
- The creativity within the side rests with Odegaard, Saka and Smith Rowe but the Norwegian is the only legitimate playmaker.
- Arsenal’s game is based upon a defensive base with a counter-attacking response, nothing wrong with that as long as you carry a threat
- Arsenal look ragged against Everton and are vulnerable to attack in the last 15 minutes. They lose their shape, solidity and nerve.
- The side lacks character and leaders.
- Too many big players aren’t delivering such as Partey and Aubameyang.
- There’s no consistency in the performances.
- The decisions regarding rotation and substitutions have been questionable. Why was Lokonga dropped after a stellar performance?
Arsenal have to prioritise key positions in January by buying additional personnel, but having said that, there are issues within the group of existing players that must be resolved. How do you get players to show spirit if they don’t possess it naturally? How do you change the mindset of players who seem indifferent at times? How can you get the best out of a team that fails to deliver so frequently?
Read More:
- Time for Mikel Arteta to Complete the Arsenal Jigsaw in January
- How Many More Chances do you Give Arsenal’s Captain and Star Striker
- Diagnosing Arsenal’s Pressing Problems: The Primary Reason Behind Their Struggles
No one can say Arteta has had it easy in his spell as Arsenal boss but it seems that the Spaniard is involved in a continuous restructuring/rebuilding process and although he has the bones of a talented young side’ its results that count and if we are completely honest Arsenal have to deliver performance and points to justify his position at the club. Arteta has one final season for me and if he fails to improve this season, then it may be difficult for him to remain in his post.
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