Arsenal’s Title Aspirations Are in Jeopardy Due to Persistent Issues
A recent match highlights Arsenal’s struggles and raises concerns about their ability to compete for the Premier League title following a defeat against Aston Villa.
LONDON – If this is the end of Arsenal’s title challenge – and given events in Brentford earlier Saturday, it feels like it might be – then it could scarcely be more appropriate. This match displayed the reasons that the Premier League trophy is likely heading to Merseyside rather than north London.
If you look closely, you can cite Arsenal’s failure to bolster their attacking lineup, the quality of the players on the field, or perhaps even Mikel Arteta’s control-centric tactics which make it difficult for this team to find its cutting edge. Yet again, Arsenal found themselves as living proof of the notion that luck does not balance out across a season.
Had Kai Havertz’s arm not been in the way of Mikel Merino’s volley, this could have been a story of resilience and the will to win that carried them past Tottenham earlier in the week. The fine margins consistently add up to a growing gap to Liverpool, who now sit six points clear with a game in hand.
The team’s injuries may indicate more than mere misfortune. Perhaps Bukayo Saka needed more rest before his recent hamstring issues; nevertheless, Arteta’s unfortunate string of setbacks has created further challenges. Starting the season without Takehiro Tomiyasu meant Ben White had to rush back from injury, and the strain on him has now led to a burden on Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.
For the first time since May 2021, Arteta found himself without Saka or Saliba available for a Premier League match. Initially, the defensive duo was impressive, quelling Ollie Watkins’ attempts on the counter. However, the match changed when Arsenal, leading 2-0, ultimately allowed Aston Villa to capitalize on their weaknesses.
Despite leading early into the game, the result further critiques the depth of Arsenal’s squad. Time and again, Arsenal’s limitations are displayed through shortcomings in the squad leading to missed opportunities in key matches.
Quotes:
“There are moments,” Arteta acknowledged. “They managed to do that, they made the subs, they made the impact and managed to change the game.” Takeaway: Saka, Gabriel Jesus or Ethan Nwaneri were not on the bench to capitalize on the opportunities in the attack, merely underlining Arsenal’s pressing need for more depth.
Arsenal must regroup and reassess as they face the rest of the season amidst a backdrop of injuries and dwindling aspirations.
