The year 2023 has been a challenging one for Arsenal as they find themselves unable to maintain the pace as frontrunners in the Premier League. With just one win in their last five games, the team has dropped from first to fourth place, reminiscent of last season’s title run-in. This setback has raised concerns about their ability to compete for a UEFA Champions League place, let alone the league title. It is clear that Arsenal must make a New Year’s resolution to thrive in the role of chasers and overcome the issues that have plagued them.
To have a chance at securing their first title since 2004, Arsenal needed to build up a substantial lead, taking advantage of Manchester City’s sputtering form and engagement at the FIFA Club World Cup. However, Liverpool and Aston Villa have capitalized on Arsenal’s poor form, and the Gunners now find themselves below City on goal difference. The loss of rhythm has been evident, and the team must address this if they wish to stay in the title race.
After the disappointing defeat against Fulham, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration, stating that it was the worst performance of the season. He acknowledged that the team had the opportunity to be at the top of the table but failed to earn the right to win the game. Arteta emphasized the need for self-reflection and admitted that the overall performance was worrying. These words reflect the gravity of the situation and highlight the urgency to address the team’s shortcomings.
One of the principal reasons for Arsenal’s regression this season is the decline in the collective output of young talents like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard. Last season, these players masked the team’s lack of a prolific No. 9, but replicating their exceptional performances has proven to be a challenge. Eddie Nketiah’s peripheral presence in the lineup against Fulham exemplified the struggle to find suitable alternatives. The decline in contributions from Saka, Martinelli, and Ødegaard raises questions about Arsenal’s attacking strength in depth compared to title contenders like Manchester City.
Aside from the regression in attacking performance, Arsenal has also shown vulnerabilities in defense. They have conceded four goals from corners in their last six league games, highlighting a significant weakness from set-piece situations. Arteta admitted that defensively, the team was second best and lacked control over direct play. Failure to address these defensive issues further hampers their chances of competing at the highest level.
The defeat against Fulham showcased Arsenal’s lack of composure and conviction. With Saka losing the ball cheaply, the home side took advantage and equalized with a well-finished goal. The winning goal was a consequence of Arsenal’s failure to deal with a corner, showcasing a defensive breakdown. Despite making substitutions, Arsenal struggled to regain control of the game, and Fulham remained relatively comfortable. This defeat marked the first time in 48 games that Arsenal lost a league game after scoring the first goal, a significant blow to their confidence.
With almost half of the season remaining, Arsenal still has a chance to turn their fortunes around. Mikel Arteta needs to instill a sense of resilience and determination in his team. Arsenal’s New Year resolution should focus on regrouping, finding consistency, and addressing their defensive vulnerabilities. Additionally, Arteta must find a way to revitalize Saka, Martinelli, and Ødegaard to reach their previous levels of performance.
The upcoming break in fixtures until January 20 provides an opportunity for Arsenal to reset and come back stronger. They must analyze their weaknesses, work on their game plan, and make tactical adjustments to improve their chances of success. It is crucial for the players and coaching staff to embrace the setback as motivation and learn from their past mistakes. Only by doing so can Arsenal hope to remain competitive and achieve their goals in the remainder of the season.
Arsenal’s struggles in the 2022-2023 season have raised concerns about their ability to contend for major trophies. They find themselves unable to maintain the pace as frontrunners, and their New Year’s resolution must be to thrive in the role of chasers. The regression in the collective output of key players, defensive vulnerabilities, and the lack of composure have contributed to their recent setbacks. However, with a fresh start in the new year, Arsenal has an opportunity to address these issues and get back on track. Mikel Arteta and his team must reflect, analyze, and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a successful second half of the season. The road ahead is challenging, but with determination, resilience, and a renewed focus, Arsenal can still salvage their season and compete at the highest level.