Arsenal have lost three of their previous four games in all competitions. They’ve been knocked out of the FA Cup and lost the Carabao Cup final during that time.
The Gunners also suffered a crucial blow in the Premier League title race at the weekend. Bournemouth came to the Emirates Stadium and left with all three points, meaning Manchester City are just six points behind with a game in hand.
It’s not quite clicking for Mikel Arteta’s side at the moment. If their form continues, they risk ending the season without a single trophy, despite being on for the Quadruple just a few weeks ago.
In this article, we’ll cover
Arsenal’s blunt attack
Arsenal are going through a tricky period in recent weeks, and they’re in danger of seeing their season unravel. The Gunners are now knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and have seen their lead at the top of the Premier League shortened.
Arteta’s side have spent significantly in recent years, but their lack of quality depth in attacking areas is still evident. Injuries at the back barely hamper the Gunners, but injuries in the final third can be catastrophic.
Over the last four matches, Arsenal have scored just 0.75 goals per game, compared to 2.16 the rest of the season. From open play, they’ve scored just 0.5 goals per game, while they’re also conceding almost three times as much as they were previously.
Looking at the Bournemouth game in particular, Arteta opted for a three of Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli, behind Viktor Gyokeres. There has been a severe lack of creativity, producing just 0.18 open play Expected Goals against the Cherries.
Unlocking low blocks
Both Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze have been in and out of the side for Arsenal of late. Without them, the Gunners struggle to unlock low blocks.
The likes of Gyokeres and Martinelli are players who prefer to get on the ball in behind, rather than receive to feet. This is tricky against low blocks as there is minimal space behind the opposition defence.
A player like Max Dowman has shown to be beneficial in these situations. But Arteta clearly doesn’t trust him to start every week. Havertz is a useful asset for the Gunners when crashing the box and providing an aerial threat, but he’s not the kind of No.10 to unlock a defence.
Opposition targeting Arsenal’s weaknesses
Ben White has come in over the last few games, and he’s struggled at right-back in place of Jurrien Timber. Against Southampton, White was caught under the ball as Ross Stewart fired home the winner.
Against Bournemouth, there was a clear tactic from Andoni Iraola’s side to focus their attacking play down White’s side.
The Cherries had Ryan Christie, Adrien Truffert, and Marcus Tavernier in advanced, left-side positions, while Evanilson also drifted to create overloads. Arsenal’s biggest strength has been their defensive solidity this season, but they are starting to look a little suspect at a crucial stage.
Martin Zubimendi’s regression
Arsenal have lacked their usual control over the last few weeks. Even though the Gunners spent large portions of the Bournemouth clash chasing the game, they only had 52% of the ball.
That’s not a huge issue overall. But if you’re struggling to create from open play while having little control, it’s an area Arteta might be looking to improve on.
Martin Zubimendi enjoyed an impressive start to the season and was looking like one of the signings of the summer. Since the turn of the year, the Spanish midfielder has struggled. And Arsenal are suffering as a result.
Zubimendi’s role is to receive the ball from the defence and progress it into advanced areas. This allows Declan Rice to venture further up the pitch, but the England international hasn’t been given his usual freedom due to Arsenal’s lack of control.
Arsenal have a host of problems all over the pitch at the moment.
Where do Arsenal go from here?
Arteta needs to be a little more creative and brave with his team selections. If that means giving Dowman a little more responsibility, then so be it.
The lack of creativity is the most serious issue at the moment. And Dowman will help with that, not just through chance creation. Dowman’s ability to take on his man, attract defenders, and retain possession could be crucial for Arsenal.
Although Eze hasn’t been consistent this term, he’s the type of player that can change games in the blink of an eye. Havertz is the, perhaps, more conservative option in the attacking midfield position due to his physicality, but as mentioned, Arsenal need to take risks.
It’s a crucial few weeks for the Gunners, who desperately need to end the season with at least one trophy.