As the season approaches its midpoint, Arsenal sits at the top of the league. However, many of their most challenging away games have come during a period when manager Mikel Arteta is finding it difficult to optimize his squad. Despite inconsistent recent performances, data suggests they are still the strongest team, maintaining a lead over Manchester City.
<p>Yet, a palpable sense of anxiety has enveloped Arsenal's supporters. While it's easy to brush off this unease as mere online chatter, Saturday's narrow 2-1 victory against Brighton showcased the anxiety within the Emirates Stadium as fans urged players to take initiative on the pitch. The win, albeit nerve-wracking, was still a success, but it left supporters unsettled as they watched the final minutes unfold.</p>
<p>This victory also reflects a shift in the team's atmosphere. The concern isn't just about team performance but also how players perceive their own performance. Some fans recognize Manchester City's capacity to capitalize on any mistakes, leading to a pervasive belief in their own insecurities. Arteta, who has a track record of engaging his fan base, acknowledged on Saturday that the tension was evident among his players.</p>
<p>To shift the mindset of nearly 60,000 fans, it’s crucial to identify the reasons for this dip in confidence. The margin between 15 and 12 points might seem trivial, but it could stress many managers, Arteta included. Several smaller factors contribute to this feeling that Arsenal is not living up to expectations, with possibly the most compelling, and frustrating, reason being that the team excels at defending.</p>
<h2>Arsenal’s Defensive Style</h2>
<p>There have been instances where this wasn't true, such as the tense win against Wolverhampton when Arsenal struggled to maintain control and had to fight for their victory at the end. This performance brought out a rarely seen intensity from Arteta, who typically doesn't accept a passive approach from his players.</p>
<p>That said, it’s not an issue to have the team occupy low blocks; Arteta expects them to excel in all aspects of the game. On the rare occasions when time permits training sessions, the focus often leans towards defensive tactics across the entire squad, adding to the feeling that Arsenal tends to retreat into their shells. The forward players drop back to assist defensively when pressured, indicating a squad that is capable of adapting but one that may become overly cautious.</p>
<p>In terms of defensive efforts, Bukayo Saka stands out as a key player recovering balls and winning duels out of possession, emphasizing his role hasn't waned with age. This season marks a significant increase in his average ball recoveries in the Premier League, alongside a duel success rate exceeding 50%. Contextually, only two forwards in the league boast a higher average recovery rate than Saka, who deserves similar recognition to Mohamed Salah’s last year at Liverpool.</p>
<p>While Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli may not have as notable stats, they too contribute defensively. If Arsenal were questioned about how effective they’d be with player coverage like Salah and Codi Gakpo, the discussion could shed light on a broader trend in the league where many forwards are significantly less engaged defensively.</p>
<p>The downside of this dedicated defense became evident in Saturday’s match against Brighton. Arsenal’s full-backs advanced in search of a goal, but as shown in a key moment, they struggled to maintain an effective counter. Even with players like Victor Gokeres returning to the box, taking control and progressing the ball out of their half became a challenge, especially as the crowd urged the team to push forward.</p>
<h2>Injury Challenges</h2>
<p>Of course, adopting a defensive stance isn’t Arsenal’s chosen tactic without the ball. Their opponents have the third-lowest pass success rate in the Premier League, with Arteta’s team ranking high for effective passing during defensive actions and securing wins in the attacking third, showcasing their press intensity.</p>
<p>Arsenal may currently be seen as masters of the low block, which could become unsustainable. Ideally, Arteta prefers his centre-backs upfield, applying pressure before opponents reach goalkeeper David Raya. However, this approach requires immense physical effort.</p>
<p>Physical data is not frequently disseminated by clubs, but the available sprint data from UEFA’s Champions League indicates that Arsenal’s main defensive line—Julian Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Miles Lewis-Skelly—ranks among the fastest within the squad. Weekly physical exertion leads to muscle strain, evident in the predictable injuries players like Ben White and Gabriel have sustained this season.</p>
<p>Arsenal knows its tactical approach impacts its defenders’ physicality, which is why squad depth is crucial. Arteta could deploy any combination from eight available defenders, yet injuries have limited his selection options. It’s not surprising that discussions surrounding potential signings in January have surfaced.</p>
<p>“We are Arsenal and we must pay attention to that,” Arteta emphasized. He pointed out the importance of preparation, confirming that some depth decisions would hinge on player recoveries. “We need to be aware of the circumstances regarding specific injuries. Other clubs field larger squads, and while we’ve faced more injuries than anticipated, some are unavoidable,” he added.</p>
<p>Mosquera is likely to miss a significant portion of January, but Arteta expressed optimism about White’s hamstring. Timber’s circumstances were known before Saturday’s match, yet some hope remains about his recovery timeline. Adaptations made during Brighton's match demonstrated Arsenal's readiness, which could bode well as they face Aston Villa.</p>
<h2>Rethinking Strategy?</h2>
<p>A change in tactical style could address defensive inadequacies, allowing Saka more freedom by adjusting formations. However, with Arsenal leading the Premier League, it’s tough to justify such alterations.</p>
<p>While matches have felt disjointed, could this be indication of City’s dominant standing? Arsenal, even without Gabriel for an entire match, managed to concede fewer goals compared to all but Everton. While their goal tally hasn't been as high as expected, predictions suggest more scoring chances may arise both this month and moving forward.</p>
<p>Fans may be apprehensive, yet Arsenal remains solidly positioned in the league table. For Arsenal to break a 21-year title drought, maintaining their current form is essential.</p>
<h3>Viewing Information: Arsenal vs. Aston Villa</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Date</strong>: Tuesday, December 30th | <strong>Time</strong>: 3:15 PM ET</li>
<li><strong>Location</strong>: Emirates Stadium -- London</li>
<li><strong>TV</strong>: NBCSN | <strong>Live stream</strong>: Peacock</li>
<li><strong>Odds</strong>: Arsenal -225; Draw +320; Aston Villa +550</li>
</ul>Fan Take: This situation underscores the delicate balance between defensive strategy and attacking flair that many soccer fans recognize is crucial for success. If Arsenal can find the right mix, they could reclaim their position as not only title contenders but also a thrilling team to watch as they pursue their first championship in over two decades.
