Arsenal caused total havoc in the second leg against SK Slavia Prague. They were just unplayable and dominated the match quite easily. The game ended in a 4-0 win for the Gunners, who won the eventual tie 5-1. There wasn’t really any competition for the north London giants. Mikel Arteta and co. have a comfortable evening in Europe, as they made it to the semi-final of the Europa League.
The Gooners would have expected the hosts to put up a good fight. However, that was clearly not the case. It was just a one-sided game and the Londoners came out on top. There seemed to be no real challenge from the team from the Czech Republic.
Despite the brilliant win and endless praises, there were a few problems still for Arsenal. These could be seen in the overall play over the weeks. Yes, the game against Slavia Praha was almost perfect. Despite that, there were a few things that need to be addressed in order to improve for the long run.
The Three Major Concerns For Arsenal Which Could Haunt Them From Now Until The End Of The Season?
Consistency Is The Key; Arsenal Really Needs To Show Some Now
One of the main problems for Mikel Arteta this season has been inconsistency. The 1-1 draw against Fulham proved that once again. The doubts further only got strengthened with the 1-0 loss to Everton, though the team played rather well. Every time the players are performing, they end up making a silly individual error.
This error hurts the team and they end up dropping points or losing a key tie. It eventually gets the fans agitated and the manager isn’t impressed as well. This doesn’t help at all and the team just continues to ponder as to how to get back into the game. There needs to be a proper solution to this problem.
Either some of the deadwood that still remains at the club should leave and new players should be signed. Or, there needs to be a change of manager if Mikel Arteta can’t resolve this issue by the end of the upcoming campaign. It needs to be done by hook or crook. This summer window and the pre-season will be the best time to sort such issues out for sure!!
Fitness Problems For Some Key Players Like Saka, Smith Rowe And Martinelli
Though these kids are young and firing, they have been subjected to some harsh tackles right from the start of the campaign. Teams like to target them and make them feel a challenge or two, in each match. Not always is it possible to protect and safeguard them, when they are the best players on the pitch.
The recent tackle by Fabian Schar on Gabriel Martinelli was the best example of that. Totally unnecessary and got him a red. It only showcased the fact that these young Arsenal guns are the targets of a lot of teams. That is while playing in a match, to disrupt the flow of play. That adds to the pressure, as Mikel Arteta not only has to utilize them well but has to rest them enough too.
The likes of Bukayo Saka already are feeling tired and are given constant rests. Smith Rowe and Martinelli have always been injury prone. This makes squad rotation a must. With a few crucial games coming up, team selection could get really interesting now that Arsenal has Martin Odegaard to utilize as well. Let’s wait and watch!!
How To Fit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Into The First Team?
The highest-paid player of Arsenal had confirmed via Instagram that he was hospitalized. He had contracted Malaria and would be missing action for some time. That was the least of Mikel Arteta’s problems for some time. This was due to the fact that Alexandre Lacazette and co. were firing at will (well nearly).
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However, the injury to Alexandre Lacazette messed everything up. It took away a major attacking outlet from the Spanish manager. He had to rely on some of the youngsters that he may not have wanted to rush into the team.
Further, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was rushed into the Arsenal starting eleven. He was still recovering from the disease and was pushed to perform. He has done well so far to put in good performances. Let’s see if he can fire in the upcoming days, especially the second-leg tie against Villarreal in the UEFA Europa League semis.
