The Gunners picked up an easy win at the Emirates against Merseyside outfit Everton. Arsenal are now on top of the Premier League table, with their lead finally extending to five points. The north London outfit had this game in hand, though they needed to get the job done on the night, against a team that had beaten them at Goodison Park quite recently.
It was a shocking loss for Mikel Arteta’s side back then. That too against a team that is now in the relegation zone. But the team recovered well and showcased why they deserve to be on top of the Premier League table. It is no fluke. Each win has been earned with hard fought determination and grit.
However, despite the Arsenal win there are some concerns about the team’s performance. Especially, the hosts were showcasing the same problems in the first 40 minutes. That was when a magical moment happened and Saka scored a brilliant goal with Zinchenko creating it for him.
Here are 3 things that may concern the Arsenal team, manager Mikel Arteta and definitely the fans of the club-
Lack of playing time for the backup players like Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe
Despite being 3-0 up at the Emirates and watching Everton give up rather quickly, the duo just got 8 minutes of the match. Neither player had any injury concerns, with Tierney just warming the bench for quite some time. It seems that Mikel Arteta just loses track of his non first-team players and this could hurt Arsenal.
Think with Partey and Jesus back, this test can be handled quite frankly!! pic.twitter.com/nCC46BYwsU
— BeyondThePosts (Nitish) (@BeyondThePosts_) February 21, 2023
Tiring legs will be an issue as we move into the hectic upcoming schedule, with the Europa League knockout stages to begin for the Gunners. This will be a huge concern for the club’s faithful that will want to win both the league and a European trophy.
Yes, the team is doing really well and everyone is fit at present. However, the business end of the season can be really ruthless. Without proper team-management, the season can really end badly for the Gunners. Let’s wait and watch to see how things develop now.
Arsenal midfield looks a bit tired; Xhaka and Martin Odegaard in particular
The Granit Xhaka that started off the season with fresh-blood and a new vigour has somehow now mellowed down quite a bit. He is not the same player that was scoring goals for fun and playing some brilliant final passes. His runs are slower and though there is no lack of commitment, the World Cup has really gotten to him too.
Further, Martin Odegaard is not looking like the player that Arsenal gave the armband to anymore. Yes, there are instances of individual brilliance at times. However, the energy levels have seriously dropped. Many times, the skipper can just be seen flicking the balls, rather than holding onto it.
These two players are quite crucial in controlling the fluidity of the Arsenal play. When they are not performing well and coordinating with their teammates, oppositions can make a match out of it. Many teams are also looking to close down both these players rather quickly as well.
Martin Odegaard in the Premier League this season. [sky] pic.twitter.com/yxvHTSWlRJ
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) March 2, 2023
It is a given fact these days that if Odegaard has a bad game, so does Arsenal. Keeping that in mind, the fans will want the Norwegian playmaker to get some rest. If that can really change things around, the duo can help Arsenal end the current season on a high.
The Londoners should be serious contenders for the League title and the Europa League. If both players can find their best form, it will be very difficult to stop Arsenal from winning. Let’s wait and watch!!
Bukayo Saka is still getting over-used with no proper replacement
The talisman for Arsenal this season is undoubtedly Bukayo Saka. He has been the best player for the Gunners, though there have been various great contributions to push the team to the top of the table. It is never easy for an individual alone to inspire a title challenge.
Despite that, Bukayo Saka has done all that he could have to make it happen. His maturity at such a young age is great to see. However, the player has had no rest at all. This is due to the fact that the team has no backup for their STAR BOY.
Bukayo Saka has played 67 consecutive PL games, featuring in every possible match since 9th May 2021.
Against Everton, at 21 years 177 days old, Saka became 6th-youngest player in PL history to reach 50 goals + assists!! #COYG #Apoz pic.twitter.com/otVAxq8IyL
— BeyondThePosts (Nitish) (@BeyondThePosts_) March 2, 2023
Most other positions are well filled. However, the right-winger has Reiss Nelson as a backup. The former Feyenoord loanee has not really impressed this term. And this makes it tough for Arteta to really trust him and give Saka a real rest. The England international also has been tackled a lot and has picked up a few knocks along the way but is still going on, week in and week out.
With all said and done, Mikel Arteta needs to find the right balance. These players are giving their all and it may well come down to choosing between the League title and the Europa League. One may have to be sacrificed for the further. And it will be a very tough call that the Spaniard will have to eventually make. Hopefully not!!
