Arsenal in winning action against Sporting (Image: PA) (Image: PA)
Arsenal in winning action against Sporting (Image: PA) (Image: PA)
Two hopes of a trophy have disappeared over the past two weeks following the EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester City and a 2-1 loss to Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup.
The Premier League and Champions League were always the main focuses, but the domestic cup exits have given slight cause for concern.
Nerves have started to creep in and we’re seeing players make uncharacteristic mistakes. Kepa flailing at a cross, Ben White missing a simple header at the back post, Christhian Mosquera misplacing an easy sideways pass.
Mistakes happen but they’re starting to happen far too often, and they’re proving costly.
It’s made worse by the attacking play. And it’s not just that Arsenal haven’t been ruthless in front of goal, it’s that they’re struggling to get there in the first place, with the defenders and midfielders not taking risks to progress the ball in build-up, instead falling victim to these mistakes.
Then there’s the injuries, forcing Mikel Arteta to chop and change the side each and every game, piled on top of visible physical and mental fatigue.
In contrast, we’re watching Manchester City hitting peak form and blowing teams away, most recently Liverpool 5-0. That’s undoubtedly not helping Arsenal players’ nerves.
We’re now in the period of the season where every single game has huge significance and the players must hold their nerve and steady the ship to get over the line.
That’s exactly what we saw in the 1-0 away win over Sporting in the first leg of the Champions League Tuesday night.
Despite a few erratic moments, the Gunners held firm, absorbed the pressure and pounced at the end to win the game thanks to Kai Havertz.
Up next, Bournemouth travel to the Emirates for 12.30pm on Saturday in the Premier League, the first of seven league games between Arsenal and the title.
The Gunners need to block out some of their recent struggles, remember how they got to this position, and go out and play with the freedom and confidence that put them top of the league.