"They’ll be Worried!" – Former Arsenal Star Isn’t Convinced by Gunners’ Title Push
The weekend marked another thrilling episode in the Premier League title race, as both Arsenal and Liverpool emerged victorious in their respective matches. However, the manner in which these wins were secured raised some eyebrows and sparked discussions about the true form and potential of the teams. Arsenal managed to secure a 2-0 win away at Leicester City, but the goals only came in the closing minutes from an unlikely hero, Mikel Merino, who was playing as a makeshift striker due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Meanwhile, Liverpool, under the new management of Arne Slot, eked out a narrow 2-1 victory over Wolves at Anfield. Despite the wins, the gap between the two clubs remains a significant seven points in the league table.
Worrying Times for Arsenal
Reflecting on Arsenal’s performance, former midfielder Jermaine Pennant, who played for the club from 2000 to 2002, shared his concerns with EPL Index. "It was a really tight one and it looked like it had 0-0 written all over it," Pennant commented. "I just couldn’t see Arsenal scoring." The Gunners’ win, while crucial, exposed their current vulnerabilities. The team struggled to create scoring opportunities throughout the match, a situation that Pennant found deeply concerning. "Obviously, they got the goals in the end, which is huge, but I think it’s worrying times for Arsenal," he added.
One of the few bright spots for Arsenal was 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who seemed to be their most promising attacking threat. "Nwaneri looked like their only bright spark really," Pennant noted. The young player’s performance, despite the team’s overall struggle, highlights the potential of the youth system at Arsenal and the future promise it holds. However, the immediate challenge remains to overcome their current injury crisis and maintain their competitive edge.
The Impact of Injuries
Arteta’s side has been hit hard by injuries, particularly in the attacking department. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli are all sidelined, leaving the team with a depleted front line. In this particular match, Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri formed the forward trio, but they collectively managed just 1.38 expected goals (xG) over the 90 minutes. This statistic underscores the difficulty Arsenal faced in generating clear-cut chances.
The absence of key players has certainly disrupted the team’s rhythm and fluidity. Saka and Martinelli are expected to return in March, which could provide a significant boost to the squad. However, Havertz and Jesus are out for the remainder of the season, meaning the team will need to rely heavily on their current resources and perhaps some tactical adjustments from Arteta to bridge the gap until their return.
Facing Stronger Defenders
Looking ahead, Pennant expressed his doubts about Arsenal’s ability to keep up with their upcoming schedule. "They’ll be worried, especially with their upcoming games," he stated. Over the next few weeks, Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Everton. Pennant emphasized that all these teams are likely to have stronger defensive setups compared to Leicester City. "All of those teams will be stronger at the back than Leicester, so improvement will be needed to get three points against those sides," he added.
Manchester United, in particular, is worth noting, even though they are currently on a poor run. Pennant pointed out, "Obviously, Man United are on a bad run at the moment, but it’s still Manchester United! They’ll be up for it." The Red Devils’ storied history and the pressure of facing a title contender will undoubtedly elevate their performance, making the match at Old Trafford a formidable challenge for Arsenal.
The Key to Overcoming Challenges
To stay in contention for the Premier League title, Arsenal will need to find a way to improve their attacking play and maintain their defensive solidity despite the injuries. The team has shown resilience and determination, as evidenced by their late goals against Leicester, but consistency will be crucial. Pennant believes that the key will be for Arsenal to keep pace with Liverpool until the return of Saka and Martinelli, who are expected to inject much-needed pace and creativity into the attack.
The upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Everton will be crucial tests for the Gunners. Each game will require them to show adaptability and tactical acumen, particularly in the face of stronger opposition. If Arsenal can secure positive results in these matches, they will build the momentum and confidence needed to make a strong push when their key players return in March.
Maintaining Momentum
While the immediate focus is on the next few weeks, Arsenal’s long-term title ambitions hinge on their ability to maintain momentum through this challenging period. The return of Saka and Martinelli in March is anticipated to be a game-changer, with both players known for their ability to break down defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities. However, the team must also ensure that they do not fall too far behind in the interim.
Arsenal’s current injury list is a significant hurdle, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their talents. The development and performance of players like Nwaneri, who showed promise against Leicester, could be pivotal. Additionally, the experience and leadership of older players like Aaron Ramsdale and Thomas Partey will be crucial in steadying the ship and keeping the team focused.
A Season of Highs and Lows
The Premier League title race is a marathon, not a sprint, and Arsenal’s journey this season has been marked by both highs and lows. The team has shown remarkable resilience and a fighting spirit, as seen in their late win against Leicester. However, the current injury crisis and the challenging fixtures ahead mean that the Gunners will need to stay adaptable and maintain a high level of performance to keep their title dreams alive.
Pennant’s insights provide a balanced perspective on Arsenal’s situation. While the team has the potential and the talent to make a strong push, the immediate challenges are significant. If Arteta can navigate these obstacles and keep the team motivated, Arsenal could still emerge as a formidable contender when Saka and Martinelli return. For now, the focus must be on securing points in every game, no matter how tough the opposition, to keep the pressure on Liverpool and stay in the hunt for the Premier League title.
