Arsenal, once considered the primary challengers to Manchester City’s quest for a fifth consecutive Premier League title, now find themselves grappling with the possibility of a third straight runners-up finish. With the Premier League season a quarter of the way through, Arsenal has faced ongoing questions about its inconsistency. They’ve lost or drawn seven of their last 15 games. All of which has resulted in them facing the truly terrifying prospect of basing their dreams of winning trophies on their Champions League success.
Yet despite injuries severely derailing Arsenal’s challenge for their first league title since 2004. They’ve combined to miss a huge chunk of their club’s recent campaign, and that absence has been felt by their club’s fortunes in many ways. That defensive renaissance has continued into this season. In terms of attacking play, they have been found wanting. Out of all of their forwards, only Bukayo Saka has made a significant jump in his expected goal contributions so far this season.
6. Arteta and Saka have been the only two to consistently show up for Arsenal this past month. The team’s offensive metrics are way down from last year. This was what’s even more troubling… The team can’t score goals. Their problems are compounded by the absence of new signings from the transfer window. Raheem Sterling was the only new forward, coming in on an ultimately unsuccessful Deadline Day loan from Chelsea.
The North London club’s 2022/23 title bid faltered in its final stages due to critical defensive injuries, echoing past seasons’ challenges. All Arsenal fans can do is dream of winning a title. It’s impossible for them not to think back to the late 90s when the team were finishers up for three consecutive years, from 1998 through 2001.
That said, Arsenal is looking ahead toward the last international break of the season. Expectations are sky high as they line up against Real Madrid in the knockout stages of the Champions League. Despite tough tasks ahead, this first leg gives Arsenal the chance to show their mettle and character on the European scene.
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