Although the Premier League title slipped through Arsenal’s fingertips, it has still been a remarkable campaign for Mikel Arteta’s side. For a team that finished fifth last season to deliver such an impressive campaign is proof of the good work Arteta is doing at the North London club, and it may prove that this is just the beginning of a long period of success for Arsenal.
However, there is still that inescapable feeling that Arsenal passed up a golden opportunity to get their hands on a first Premier League title since 2004. The online sports betting may not have fancied them for the title at the beginning of the season, but as the Gunners pushed clear at the top of the table, supporters were beginning to believe that this was to be a season to remember.
It’s proved to be one step too far for this young, talented group of players. But where did it all go wrong? What prevented Arsenal from earning their place in the history books? Let’s analyse three reasons why things didn’t quite work out.
A Leaky Defence
The brutal truth is that Arsenal have simply conceded too many goals this season. At the time of writing, Arteta’s side have let in 41 goals in 36 matches, which is just too many to sustain a title challenge.
In home games this season, Arsenal have conceded 25 goals, which is more than any other side in the top half of the table. Over a 38-game season, that defensive leakiness will have an impact.
The loss of William Saliba to injury in the last couple of months has clearly taken its toll on the team’s defensive resilience, but the reality is that Arsenal have been too porous at the back all season. There have been many occasions where they’ve been forced to come from behind to win, and eventually that catches up with a team.
Unexpected Dropped Points
Another major reason for Arsenal’s title stutter is that they have dropped points in recent weeks against teams they really should be beating. The game against Liverpool at Anfield felt like a turning point. Arsenal had established a 2-0 lead and looked to be cruising towards a memorable victory, but they collapsed in the second half and allowed Liverpool to snatch a draw.
There followed two successive draws against sides in the bottom quarter of the table. Again, Arsenal blew a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with West Ham United, before they managed to salvage a 3-3 draw at home against Southampton after falling 2-0 down within 10 minutes.
Those three matches alone accounted for six dropped points, and they are the kind of matches you need to be winning to get your hands on the Premier League trophy.
City’s Relentless Form
Of course, the main reason for Arsenal’s inability to see out the Premier League title is the relentless march of Manchester City. At the time of writing, Pep Guardiola’s side have won 11 matches on the spin, and unfortunately no one can compete against that level of consistency.
Many will point to City’s financial heft as the reason they are able to put together such an impressive run. Sadly for Arsenal, they don’t have the same strength in depth within their squad, and that is the reason Manchester City will get their hands on a fifth Premier League title in six seasons.
