This season’s results show that Arsenal were stopped by Sunderland, and after the draw against Chelsea—despite having a man advantage—the problems became visible.
However, both new and long-time Arsenal supporters still refused to see them. After those results, they were saying: “Arsenal are the best, Arteta is the best manager in the world.” But Arsenal suffered a disastrous defeat at Aston Villa, and the problems are now very clear.
In the past, Arteta achieved a lot with Eze in offensive positions for a short time of period, but everything stopped for him after the win against Tottenham. Anyone comparing Arsenal from twenty days ago to today can clearly see how far they have fallen. That Arsenal team was dominant, but it disappeared after Tottenham. Chelsea led 1–0 with ten men; yes, they beat Bayern, but even in that match, they were not impressive, and it was a group-stage game in which Bayern and coach Kompany were not trying very hard.
These are facts that everyone can see and notice. This Arsenal does not guarantee success in the upcoming matches. Aston Villa are in better form and deservedly defeated Arsenal. Twenty days ago, this would have seemed impossible. So everybody should acknowledge that Arsenal is weak compared to Arsenal one month ago. That is a fact.
Arteta has not won anything- that is a problem
Mikel Arteta built a team with an intense rhythm and a granite defence, but after Gabriel’s injury, the team has not looked the same. Without Saliba as well, Carafiori, Timber, and Lewis-Skelly stopped being effective in the attacking phase.
The substitutions against Chelsea in the 50th minute and against Aston Villa—bringing on Madueke and Ødegaard, then Gyökeres and Trossard—said everything.
The fact is: Arsenal are weaker, they can be beaten, and Arteta has stalled, especially in the attacking phase. Mosquera is also injured, and now it would not be surprising if Arsenal, from being an unbeatable team, became an average side that is poorly led by Mikel Arteta.
Arteta spent his central defenders in a short time
Mikel Arteta has used up all his central defenders in this short period and once again showed what many say about him: that he is not up to the level required to lead this team.
This season, Arteta introduced a tactic heavily reliant on the full-backs, on their offensive contributions, and on good passing from the defence into attack. This tactic—using Carafiori, Timber, Skelly—made a huge impact, surprised opponents, resulted in a fantastic defence, and helped create many goals from great positions. But time has passed, and this “revolutionary” tactic has been figured out.
Without Gabriel and Saliba, Arsenal concede goals very easily and looks like a mid-table team.
This tactic earned Arsenal a lot, but in the first serious tests, Arteta fell again. The insecurity of his goalkeeper is now seriously costing Arsenal, and his major mistake against Aston Villa luckily did not result in a goal.
David Raya is not a good enough goalkeeper to stop important shots from opponents, and his “great form” was created by Gabriel and Saliba, who stopped everything they could.
Without Gabriel and Saliba, Arsenal are a team that concedes goals easily, and Arteta needs to organise the team offensively and compactly in the final third. The solution to his problems is that Arsenal should not defend as much—they need to attack more and score more goals than the defence concedes.
Arsenal no longer looks like a champion; Manchester City is
When you compare the form and the results of teams in the Premier League, Aston Villa looks so impressive, but the team that looks at this moment like the best team and potential champion is Manchester City, which is playing its best football of the season.
City looks sharp and in great form, producing many goals, scoring easily with the amazing form of Phil Foden. They look like they will beat any team they are facing, even with lower influence from Haaland.
With very great form from players who returned from injury, such as Cherki, with great form of Bernando Silva, and expecting much from Marmoush, who is still not in form for a bit. They have Reijnders, who can do much. Rodri is still to return. Doku is the key Guardiola player for the task, and is playing great.
Manchester City not only have the form of champions, but they also have undoubtedly the best team in the Premier League and have been so great in the past few weeks. Guardiola has such a good team and can make so many Important decisions. He has so many options that can produce unstoppable levels, and the players are so great.
Manchester City looks so sharp, capable, and competitive and can be leaders in the Premier League for a few weeks or even less.
Even though they are conceding much, they are scoring more and are in much better form than Arsenal and are a better team than Arsenal. They are not relying on defence, as Arsenal does; they are relying on attack and attacking options.
Arsenal’s attacking options are out of form, just like Madueke, Gyökeres, and Odegaard.
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