In the match against Inter, Arsenal made 46 crosses but did not score any goals, a sign that Mikel Arteta's team seems to have run out of ideas. Although this is not a record number like Man United's 81 crosses under David Moyes in the match against Fulham in 2014, it is still clear evidence of the current problems of The Gunners.
With 3 losses in the last 6 matches, the joy and excitement of fans for Mikel Arteta since the summer of 2022 seems to have turned into anxiety, expressed through the team's helplessness on the field.
The Gunners currently look like they are trying their best but to no avail. The sudden passing of sporting director Edu Gaspar has further complicated the situation, 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 a number of key players to injury. In the short term, the North London team may still overcome this difficulty such as the 1-0 win over Tottenham and a 2-2 draw against Man City last month. However, as time went on, the loss of key players became more obvious, typically the 0-1 loss to Newcastle.
Arsenal may have handled Martin Odegaard's absence well, but when Leandro Trossard received the ball in a favorable position, the Belgian striker could not create a pass with the accuracy Odegaard usually does. Such times make opportunities pass and so do matches.
Arsenal are focusing too much on the physical elements in their squad, especially in defence. Players like Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino are all tall. Even Jurrien Timber, despite being only 1m77, is still a player with good physical strength.
This strategy is to ensure Arsenal are no longer overwhelmed like at the end of the 2022-2023 season, but perhaps Arteta has been thinking too much. Odegaard's absence shows that Arsenal need more creativity.
Arsenal's current style is making them rely on high balls and reducing their attacking power. Meanwhile, the "Gunners" may really need a backup 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 was an alternative but did not make much of an impact.
In addition, the problem lies in the noise surrounding the team, from injuries to refereeing decisions. Some of the Gunners' complaints about the referee's inconsistency are well-founded, but these stories still seep into the dressing room. This effect can be very powerful, but if it continues to be involved in these problems, it can be counterproductive.
All the problems seem to be happening at the same time for Arsenal but it will last forever. Earlier this year, Mikel Arteta's side had a worse period, losing three of their six games, but quickly regained their form with a long unbeaten run. In addition, Odegaard has returned from injury and the team can return to their original form.
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 hope in the championship race, they also want to regain confidence to end the current difficult period.
