The Premier League’s Shifting Dynamics
Neil Lennon, a seasoned football pundit and former manager, has cast doubt on Arsenal’s prospects of winning the Premier League under Mikel Arteta. This season, with Manchester City unexpectedly faltering, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Arteta’s side to clinch the elusive league title. However, the sudden rise of Arne Slot’s Liverpool in their manager’s rookie campaign has thrown a wrench into Arsenal’s plans. Despite the Gunners finishing behind City in the past two seasons, the current landscape presents a different challenge, one that Arteta and his team must navigate with caution and strategic acumen.
The Missed Opportunity
During a recent discussion on TNT Sports, Lennon and fellow expert Joe Cole delved into the intricacies of Arsenal’s predicament. "They will regret it because they didn’t bring a goalscorer in," Lennon opined. "I’m not sure even with a goalscorer that they still would have enough to pip Liverpool this season." This sentiment underscores a deeper concern: Arsenal’s squad, while formidable, lacks the cutting edge provided by a consistent goalscorer. The club’s recent injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have only exacerbated this issue, leaving the team shorthanded in a crucial area.
The Decision Not to Sign a Striker
Arsenal reportedly showed interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak during the January transfer window but were deterred by the club’s valuation of the striker. However, this decision now appears increasingly misguided. "Without a doubt he [Isak] would make them better," Lennon acknowledged. "But there’s something eating away at me that I don’t think they’re destined to win it under Arteta." The absence of a reliable forward has become glaringly apparent in recent matches, where Arsenal has struggled to break down stubborn defenses and convert chances into goals.
The Competitive Landscape
Cole echoed Lennon’s concerns, emphasizing the competitive nature of the Premier League and the challenges it presents. "They would have certainly been better. Would it have got them over the line? Who knows? We don’t have a crystal ball. But certainly they’ll regret not bringing in a striker," Cole stated. The former Chelsea player also suggested that Arsenal should have explored the market for a stopgap striker, even if the ideal options were unavailable. "If the right one isn’t there, if Isak isn’t available or any of the big names aren’t there, you can still go and buy a centre forward," he added.
Tactical Challenges and Recent Performances
Arsenal’s struggles have been particularly evident in their recent performances, where they have failed to score in back-to-back Premier League games. Cole highlighted the tactical approach of their opponents, particularly in their match against Nottingham Forest. "What Nottingham Forest did was they went, ‘Right, we’re going to defend the middle of the goal. Make sure you don’t get your overloads either side,’ and then Arsenal didn’t have the option to just drop a cross in, whereas other teams have got it," he explained. The absence of a varied attacking threat, such as Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, has left Arsenal struggling to find a breakthrough against well-organized defenses.
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, the pressure on Arsenal to secure the title intensifies. With Man City expected to return stronger next season and Liverpool continuing to impress, the window of opportunity for Arsenal to claim the Premier League under Arteta may be closing. "You’ve got to keep going. Mikel will keep trying to work a formula to win it, but you think next season Man City will be back stronger. Liverpool will be there. It’s just so competitive and I don’t know if their chance has gone or not," Lennon concluded. For now, the Gunners must regroup, address their shortcomings, and continue to fight for glory in a highly competitive league.
