0.0.7.1 - this is the number of goals Arsenal have scored in their last 4 matches in all competitions. Scoring 7 goals in a match is inherently unusual and it becomes even more unusual when looking at the "Gunners". They average 1 goal per 13 minutes against PSV in the Champions League. However, in the last 3 matches in the Premier League, Arsenal have only scored 1 goal.
This highlights the quirkiness of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. They have scored at least five goals in six different games this season, two of which have come away in the Champions League. But there have been too many times when Arsenal have failed to score, while Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in 19 consecutive home games. Both at home and away, Arsenal have scored less than 2 goals in 19 matches this season.
Arsenal returned with an endless discussion about a central striker. There is something iconic about Mikel Merino leading Arsenal's attack at Old Trafford, while Raheem Sterling is not used on the bench. These are two signings that show how Arsenal have lost direction in the transfer market.
Sterling could not change his career at the Emirates as Arsenal expected. Meanwhile, Merino failed to prove his ability in midfield, although as a reserve striker, he brought home a victory against Leicester and scored against PSV. It is easy to understand that Merino is doing the job contrary to initial expectations.
Merino, Sterling or even Calafiori are not bad deals. They are good players, but perhaps not the type of player Arsenal need.
Injuries are the main reason for Arsenal's decline. But there are individual errors, lack of discipline, matches that they may win but they do not win, and transfers that are due to wrong calculations. When competing with Man City, Arsenal need to be perfect. Now the Gunners' imperfections have brought Liverpool joy.
Arsenal perhaps feel they are the clear heir to Man City's Premier League throne. Instead, they have to witness Liverpool winning the championship, which is likely to happen unless there is an unexpected constant.
Arteta's side had a chance but could not seize it. They need to be better but they get worse. They should blame themselves if they continue to lose the Premier League title this year.
