Arsenal aims to bounce back as they prepare for a crucial Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 first leg on Tuesday. Despite their impressive 5-1 victory over Manchester City in February, the Gunners' recent form has raised concerns among fans and analysts. Injuries have weakened their attack, and recent performances have left them relying heavily on set pieces to generate scoring opportunities. With the Premier League title slipping out of reach due to Liverpool's 13-point lead, Arsenal is focusing on European success.
The Gunners have endured a challenging period, marked by a string of defeats that coincided with a lack of precision in front of goal. In all seven losses this season, Arsenal managed to hit the target with less than 28 percent of their shots. Declan Rice has emerged as a vital player, contributing significantly during critical moments. His tally of three goals and five assists between March and May last season underscores his importance. Recent statistics reveal that no Premier League player has created more big chances than Rice since the turn of the year.
Arsenal boasts the best Expected Goals Conceded record in the Champions League this season, having conceded only three times in Europe. However, their domestic struggles continue. Martin Odegaard's recent withdrawal against Nottingham Forest highlighted the team's barren run, with just one league goal and assist since December. The loss of their sole available striker to a season-ending injury further complicates their attacking options.
Injuries in the forward line have forced Arsenal into a makeshift attack, with Aston Villa recently surpassing them in goals from dead ball situations. Set piece coach Nicolas Jover's influence remains crucial as Arsenal leans on dead ball antics to compensate for their diminished frontline.
"I felt there was an obsession with set-pieces, which almost overtakes the whole game," – Gary Neville
This sentiment echoes the challenges Arsenal faces as they attempt to diversify their attacking strategies. Gary Neville further commented on Arsenal's current style of play.
"Arsenal have become quite rigid, they've become quite turgid at times to watch," – Gary Neville
Despite criticism, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about his team's potential.
"Then we have shown the capacity to score a lot of goals in the competition. This team still has a lot of resources to do that." – Mikel Arteta
Arteta's confidence stems from Arsenal's full-strength roster outside the injury-hit front three. He believes that the team possesses the necessary resources to revive their attacking prowess.
Arsenal's recent exit from the Carabao Cup has left them without additional silverware opportunities, increasing the stakes for their Champions League campaign. Their failure to score in consecutive Premier League games for the first time in nearly two years accentuates the urgency of resolving their attacking woes.
As Arsenal prepares for their encounter with PSV Eindhoven, much attention will focus on how they address these challenges. The Gunners' reliance on set pieces may provide short-term solutions, but unlocking the full potential of their attack will be crucial for long-term success.
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