The recent defeat, marred by ineffective strategy and execution, has sparked apprehensions about the team’s trajectory as they approach the conclusion of 2023.
Although the game commenced with a glimmer of hope, courtesy of Bukayo Saka putting Arsenal in an early lead, that promise quickly dissipated as the Gunners’ performance deteriorated. Despite maintaining 61% possession, Arsenal’s approach was notably lackluster, characterized by sluggish and uninspired play, lacking innovative ideas.
This subpar approach translated into a mere three shots on target, with most attempts getting blocked almost immediately. The significance of this defeat extended beyond a simple loss, marking the conclusion of Arsenal’s impressive 48-game streak of not losing a top-flight match after scoring first – a record unblemished since January 2022.
Currently occupying the fourth spot in the Premier League, just a point above Tottenham, Mikel Arteta’s team faces a precarious position. Their recent form has prompted serious questions about their tactical approach and readiness for the challenges looming ahead.
In the aftermath of the game, Arteta, in an interview with the BBC, reflected on the loss. He described it as a “really tough day” and acknowledged the sadness associated with the team’s performance.
Comparing it to the defeat three days prior, he emphasized that this was Arsenal’s worst game of the season. Critically, he highlighted deficiencies in pace, purpose in attack, and defensive prowess. The possession, though significant, lacked purpose, speed, and threat. The team’s sloppiness with the ball became evident, falling short of the required standard.
Arteta admitted that the team did not deserve to win and underscored the disappointment of missing the opportunity to lead the league on December 31st. The manager acknowledged the fine margins in football, emphasizing the contrast between their potential based on the other 19 games and their dismal performance on that day.
He articulated that replicating the form displayed in the previous 19 games could position them favorably in the league, but a recurrence of the performance witnessed in this game would leave them far from contention. In Arteta’s words, it was a truly difficult day to swallow.
