Arsenal's current form has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, leading to the question: why are the Gunners struggling to meet expectations this season?
After a promising start, Mikel Arteta's side finds itself trailing leaders Liverpool by seven points after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday With the title within reach in previous campaigns, their recent performances suggest a significant step back.
One of the most glaring issues for Arsenal is their inconsistent scoring. In their last six league matches, the team has fallen behind early in four of them, contributing to their inability to find rhythm and build momentum.
Moreover, their attacking statistics reveal a troubling trend; Arsenal has registered only 37 shots in five away games, the lowest in the league. This lack of firepower puts immense pressure on the defence, making it difficult to recover from setbacks.
Injuries have played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s struggles this season. The absence of key players, particularly captain Martin Ødegaard due to an ankle injury, has stripped the squad of its creative heart. Without Ødegaard's vision and leadership, Arsenal's midfield has appeared disjointed, lacking the fluidity and incisiveness needed to break down resolute defences.
The defensive line has also been a point of concern. Arteta has had to field a different back four in several matches due to injuries, which has disrupted the team's cohesion at the back.
The Gunners have conceded early goals in three consecutive away games, a scenario they had not encountered since before Arteta's arrival. This instability in defence has made it challenging for the team to establish control during matches.
Mental fortitude is another factor in Arsenal's current predicament. Despite being in a position to challenge for the title, the pressure appears to be weighing heavily on the players. Arteta's boys have dropped 12 points already this season, leaving them vulnerable to criticism. The once-promising title challenge seems to be faltering as the squad wrestles with maintaining confidence amidst adversity.
Mikel Arteta remains optimistic, insisting that it's crucial to focus on performance rather than the title chase at this stage of the season. However, the Gunners must quickly find solutions to these pressing issues if they hope to get back on track.
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