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  • Writer's pictureAdam Perry

The Struggles Continue

Arsenal do not make for pleasant viewing at the moment. Every game is frustrating and the core issues behind the performances are the same issues that have plagued club for several years. The conclusion is that an overhaul is needed.


Last Sunday, Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat against Burnley at the Emirates. Playing against one of the few teams below us in the table looked to be a great chance of picking up a much needed win, and performance wise, Arsenal did not play too badly. There were a number of good chances, including an excellent opportunity for Lacazette, yet the lack of confidence shone through.


As the team were on the ascendancy in the second half, Granit Xhaka made one of the most ridiculous decisions I have seen on a football pitch, grabbing a Burnley defender by the throat and getting sent off. Arsenal’s misery was later compounded by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang breaking his goal drought (in the wrong net), flicking a Burnley corner beyond Bernd Leno.


The only positives were that Arsenal had another home game on Wednesday and that there would be rotation as Xhaka and Bellerín were suspended and Pépé returned. Despite this, Arsenal could only manage a 1-1 draw against Southampton. I say ‘could only manage’ as if Arsenal were expected to win but the truth is we have not looked like winning any of our games for the past two months.


Southampton capitalised on Arsenal errors as Gabriel and Elneny lunged in for the same ball, neither winning it, and Tierney forgot his left and rights, spinning the complete wrong way and giving Walcott space to run in behind and chip Leno. However, Aubameyang’s goal against Burnley clearly gave him confidence as he tucked away a flowing Arsenal move early into the second half. Saka again impressed, slaloming his way through three Southampton players before finding Nketiah who flicked the ball round the corner for Aubameyang who bent it into the far corner.


The goal was instantly overshadowed by more Arsenal stupidity as Gabriel picked up two yellow cards in 5 minutes, making him the 3rd player to be sent off in Arsenal’s last five league games. This highlights Arsenal’s mentality issues as we have seen more and more frustration and idiocy over recent weeks. Xhaka has always been a loose cannon but Gabriel and Pépé’s sending offs are more concerning.


Hopefully the goal will give the team some sort of confidence to making it through the next month or two when we can welcome back Thomas Partey and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as any potential January signings. Partey has been our best player when he has played this season and his athleticism and work rate will be a massive boost. Martinelli’s work rate and bravery should help reignite Aubameyang’s spark and this will hopefully be enough to improve our fortunes.


Ultimately, a big summer awaits as the club will see Özil, Luiz, Sokratis, Mustafi and Ceballos depart as well as give the opportunity to move on Lacazette, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Torreira and Kolasinac. With a mentality and athleticism shift required at Arsenal, the upcoming summer looks like a good chance to make significant progress – we just have to make it there first!


Arsenal play Everton at 5:30pm on Saturday at Goodison Park, looking to break the freefall. Everton have been a strong side this season and Arsenal will have to step up their game to have any chance of winning. Sadly, I do not see things improving enough.


Prediction: Everton 2-1 Arsenal


Adam Perry – 18/12/2020



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