Mikel Arteta must have a serious problem with Arsenal star as Liverpool get in Gunners' heads
Mikel Arteta must have a serious problem with Arsenal star as Liverpool get in Gunners' heads
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For the second year running, Arsenal’s title challenge was undone by Aston Villa at the Emirates. And for the second year running, you do have to question Arsenal’s mentality and whether Mikel Arteta’s men are strong enough to get over the line.
Last year, Arsenal lost at home to Villa - going down 2-0 - in April after Liverpool had lost at home at Crystal Palace on the same day. Arsenal could not seize the opportunity. This time, Arsenal went 2-0 up but surrendered the two-goal lead and you could argue their title challenge lasted all of three days.
At 90 minutes, Liverpool were drawing at Brentford. By the 93rd minute, Liverpool had won 2-0. Maybe that was in Arsenal’s heads before kick-off. Even if it wasn’t, you can bet it was after they messed up against Villa. Arsenal brought the gap back to four points by beating Tottenham on Wednesday - albeit having played a game more - and yet they just could not hold their nerve. And they keep seeing chances and opportunities slip by.
You can certainly point to injuries and a lack of depth in Arsenal’s squad. It is hard to believe they let a two-goal lead slip if William Saliba had not been injured and missing from centre defence. Arteta must have a serious problem picking Jakub Kiwior - who was left on the bench - if he would rather move Thomas Partey from midfield to right back where he looks like a fish out of water.
