Arsenal attempted 46 crosses against Inter but failed to score, a sign that Mikel Arteta’s side have run out of ideas. While it’s not quite the record number of 81 crosses Manchester United attempted under David Moyes against Fulham in 2014, it’s still a clear indication of the Gunners’ current problems.
With 3 losses in the last 6 matches, the joy and excitement that fans had for Mikel Arteta since the summer of 2022 seems to have turned into anxiety, reflected in the team's helplessness on the field.
The Gunners look like they are trying their best but to no avail. The surprise departure of sporting director Edu Gaspar has added to the gloom, creating a sense that things are going in the wrong direction. The Gunners need a win against Chelsea this weekend to prevent things from getting worse.
Arsenal have lost several key players to injury. In the short term, the north Londoners may have been able to overcome this, as evidenced by their 1-0 win over Tottenham and 2-2 draw with Manchester City last month. However, as time has gone on, the loss of key players has become more apparent, as evidenced by their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Arsenal may have coped well without Martin Odegaard but when Leandro Trossard got the ball in a good position, the Belgian striker couldn't make a pass with the precision Odegaard usually does. It was a chance that passed and a game that passed.
Arsenal are focusing too much on physicality in their squad, especially in defence. Players like Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino are all tall. Even Jurrien Timber, at just 5ft 7in, is a physically fit player.
This strategy is to ensure Arsenal are no longer overwhelmed like at the end of the 2022-2023 season, but perhaps Arteta is thinking too much. Odegaard's absence clearly shows Arsenal need more creativity.
Arsenal’s current style has left them reliant on high balls and has diminished their attacking power, while the Gunners could really use a back-up option. Despite plans to sign a striker in the summer, Arsenal have failed to find one within their limited budget after signing Declan Rice. Raheem Sterling has been an alternative but has made little impact.
There is also the noise surrounding the team, from injuries to refereeing decisions. Some of the Gunners’ complaints about refereeing inconsistencies are well-founded, but these stories still seep into the dressing room. The effect can be powerful, but if you continue to dwell on these issues, it can be counterproductive.
All of these problems seem to be happening at the same time for Arsenal, but it will take forever. Mikel Arteta’s side had a worse spell earlier this year, losing three of their six games, but have since bounced back with a long unbeaten run. Odegaard has returned from injury and the team could be back to their best.
Arsenal have gone nearly 10 years without a win at Stamford Bridge, from October 2011 to May 2021. This time, the Gunners not only need 3 points to continue to nurture their hopes in the championship race, they also want to regain their confidence to end the current difficult period.
