Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Hull symbolises not only a continuation of recurring problems for the Gunners, but an inability to kill off games they should easily be winning.
AFCMO: Arsenal’s Recurring Errors Prove Costly
If the team was frustrated seeing the Hull equaliser by Mohammed Diamé, it is understandable. A blatant tug on Mathieu Flamini was more than enough to warrant a foul being given, and as a result no goal. What’s not so easy to understand is the approach adopted at various points during and prior to the season even beginning, not only in Arsenal’s latest failure against Hull to gain maximum points. Arsenal have unforgivable lapses in concentration and moreover look lost creatively at times. It’s going to be another long season.
The defence is still highly questionable. Arsenal simply do not have the depth at the back to adequately cover in the event of injuries and suspensions. It’s unsurprising when Arsenal do have an injury and suspension in the squad, to see the defence looking highly unstable. So when Nacho Monreal, who struggles enough in his usual left back role is moved into the centre as “cover”, it is entirely foreseeable to see a disappointing result follow. It was simply not acceptable to leave the summer transfer window without having these problems addressed, and it has to be said that a large proportion of the blame lies with Arsene Wenger here, who must “foresee” such problems before they happen.
We are now hearing reports Wenger has a “£20m transfer kitty” for January. Great, the issue is the season starts in August. No Transfer Window can be expected to be perfection, but Arsenal looked to be on the way to that early in the window. Then came stagnation and a complete lack of signings until the last day. It’s a scary thought to consider what Arsenal would be like without Danny Welbeck, but fortunately the deal came through.
Let’s be honest though, nearly every Arsenal fan eventually came out of the window somewhat disappointed. Arsenal failed to acquire defensive cover, failed to sign a central defensive midfielder and are now failing to perform to the level needed to get anywhere near the Premier League title. It’s again not surprising to see the team struggling to consistently win thus far in the season.
Negativity aside, it is still early days and individually Alexis Sanchez brings hope to Arsenal. His first goal against Hull from an acute angle was immaculate, then his vital assist for the late and great Welbeck equaliser managed to surpass this. Sanchez will be key this year, there is absolutely no doubt. With 6 goals and 3 assists already to his name, and a Man of the Match performance against Hull, a lot (arguably too much) is being expected of Sanchez to continue his strong run of form. In fact all the new signings that have been given a substantial amount of game time have been excellent. It’s just a shame there were not more of them.
Wenger would argue he did not want panic buys, which is fine, but January needs to be an active window for Arsenal and you would hope for some truth in the reports that he is looking to bolster the defence. Despite 67% of possession and 88% pass accuracy in the Hull game, Arsenal are guilty of not creating enough cutting edge chances.
Theo Walcott’s addition back into the squad will be vital. Both Sanchez and Walcott in a team together should prove to be lethal. The sheer pace of both players is enough to be the turning point against most teams and his return his eagerly awaited. For now though, it’s a slow start. The Hull game was supposed to be the catalyst in helping Arsenal make a charge up the table off the back of several difficult games. Instead, Arsenal find themselves in a position 11 points off the top of the table.
Even with it being early days, that is a fact that no Arsenal fan wants to hear. Arsenal were sitting at the number one spot for 128 days in the 2013/2014 season, who knows maybe having a lack of expectation could do them some good. The pressure, going into next Premier League game against Sunderland will be increasing considerably still though. If 3 points aren’t achieved and a convincing performance isn’t given then Arsenal really do face troubling times. Let’s be rational though, after an 8-0 loss this weekend, it’s surely an ideal time to face a demoralised Sunderland side, One would hope Arsenal do not have further difficulties here and produce that much wanted “convincing performance.”
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LWOSDanSiggins. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LWOSWorld and “liking” our Facebook page.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football.
>Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Main Photo:
