Since the beginning of the season, Arsenal have played 26 matches in all competitions, including 12 results with a narrow score difference. Nearly half of the matches the Gunners have played since the beginning of the season have brought such a dramatic feeling.
The match against Crystal Palace in the League Cup was the most typical example. Arsenal took the lead in the 80th minute, seemingly everything was settled, but they let their opponent equalize in the 90+5 minute. Finally, after 15 penalty shots, Arsenal won with a score of 8-7.
The Palace game has Arsenal questioned whether they are playing too adventurously or simply Mikel Arteta is asking the team to show a different side? In previous seasons, the "Gunners" repeated a style of play and as a result, they finished second 3 times. If it continues like this and does not change, this could be the 4th consecutive second season.
Arsenal have played with a serious lack of attack in the early stages of the season, and have recently. Not only their attack, but their defense is also devastated. The Gunners have won all three of their most recent matches against Wolves, Everton and Crystal Palace. After the match, Mikel Arteta admitted that the score should have been more apart to avoid falling into a state of tension in the final minutes.
Arsenal have launched a squad with many new features in the match against Palace in the League Cup. Goalkeeper Kepa has only caught in the League Cup and has not had a chance in the Premier League. The defense is not a familiar framework when Riccardo Calafiori plays as a center back, giving the left wing position to Myle Lewis-Skelly. On the attack line, fans have not yet imagined how Madueke - Jesus - Martinelli will combine together.
Although he has not finished really well, after 345 days in the starting lineup, Jesus has shown certain positivity. The ability to move into space and control the ball with skillful touches, or pass the ball quickly to his teammates contrasts with the style of Viktor Gyokeres. Kai Havertz has returned to training and will soon become another option in the next few weeks.
Arsenal's attack is considered quite diverse in playing style, each with their own highlight. Jesus brings a different dynamism and unpredictability to the strikers around him. Gabriel Martinelli kept accelerating on the left wing, creating a threat with passes into the penalty area. Noni Madueke often encroaches on dangerous locations. Eberechi Eze explores the opponent's defense in a tactful and creative way.
However, Mikel Arteta's players have missed too many opportunities, which is common in recent matches. They scored the only goal from an own goal, quite similar to the match against Wolves, Arsenal did not score any but still won the final. Luck doesn't always come like that and Arteta certainly shouldn't let this happen again.
For a team that is leading the Premier League and Champions League qualifying rounds like Arsenal, reaching the semi-finals of a League Cup and about to start another cup (FA Cup), the schedule is always more dense than the majority. They have 2 more home matches to end the calendar year and then face a tight schedule in January 2026, with 9 matches within 28 days on 4 different fronts.
"I see it (playing in 4 arenas) as a privilege when looking at the professional approach of the players. They make my work more meaningful. Arsenal have been out of options for a replacement in attack for several months and now that story is repeated in defence.
However, that is not too important. The team has many good players like Christian Norgaard or Kepa. Regardless of their role, today everyone played well. When they are training, they look very good and so are they when they are in the starting lineup" - Arteta shared.
