Arsenal Football Club is currently facing significant challenges this season, with performances stirring frustration and disappointment among fans. The team has drawn multiple matches, including their recent encounter with Everton, which ended scoreless on December 14, 2023, leaving supporters questioning head coach Mikel Arteta's tactics.
Despite sitting 3rd in the Premier League standings, Arsenal has struggled to capitalize on opportunities, particularly evident when rival Liverpool failed to win their match against Fulham, offering the Gunners a chance to gain ground. Instead, Arsenal's offense faltered, unable to find the back of the net against Everton, leaving fans already poised to voice their concerns about Arteta's future.
Arteta's approach has been characterized as overly cautious. "Он не хочет, чтобы футболисты ускоряли игру и форсировали события, потому что в таком случае они могут совершить ошибки," summarizes the sentiments shared by fans who believe his strategy is stifling creativity on the pitch. Instead of playing with urgency and inventiveness, the team has settled for safer, more conservative play, which has drawn criticism. One frustrated fan lamented, "Футболисты играют как будто под транквилизаторами," capturing the essence of widespread discontent surrounding the team's lack of dynamism.
Raheem Sterling was the only attacking player acquired over the summer, yet he has failed to meet expectations, hardly making his presence felt on the field. This has left the likes of Bukayo Saka, who has been exceptional with 21 goal involvements this season, to bear the brunt of the offensive load. Arsenal's players seem to be underperforming at pivotal moments, with their last-gasp efforts often fizzling out, particularly against teams defending resolutely.
Arsenal's reliance on winning corners has become apparent. Since the beginning of last season, the team has scored 23 goals from set pieces, the highest in Europe. Fans have taken to social media to draw uncomfortable comparisons, likening Arsenal's playstyle to the past heavy-set tactics of teams like Stoke City under Tony Pulis, notorious for their focus on set pieces rather than fluid gameplay.
There are two primary reasons underpinning Arsenal's issues this season. The first is the ineffectiveness of their summer transfer strategy, which lacked initiatives to bolster the team creatively. Meanwhile, the second reason traces back to Arteta's approach, which seems molded by fear rather than confidence, leading to underwhelming performances when under pressure during matches.
Date points where Arsenal has struggled include their encounters against Newcastle and Inter Milan, both matches where they dominated possession yet couldn't convert their efforts to goals. This has culminated not only in on-field struggles but also growing calls for Arteta’s resignation from fans who feel he has betrayed the club's rich attacking heritage.
Supporters argue about the loss of Arsenal's identity; instead of being the vibrant team they once were, they see their club turning robotic under Arteta's cautious hand. "Никогда не видел, чтобы команда, которой нужно забить гол, играла вот так," expressed another despondent fan, cementing the notion of suffocation by design on the pitch under the current regime.
The serious contemplation of revamping the team structure starts with this question: can Arteta adapt his tactics to restore the team's identity and attacking flair? With transfer rumors swirling around potential target Tijjani Reijnders dimming as he closes on renewing with AC Milan, Arsenal's leadership must act swiftly to uplift morale and performance before the season slips away completely. The shadows of doubt loom large as fans seek reassurance and results.
