Arsenal’s hopes of landing a first Premier League title since 2004 this season were landed a hefty blow as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
Still missing the likes of Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal never clicked into gear at St James’ Park.
However, Mikel Arteta cannot lean upon injuries as an excuse, as the players he put out onto the pitch ought to have been able to muster up more than the single shot on target that they actually managed.
Arsenal fans felt Odegaard’s absence keenly, as the Gunners lacked creativity to such a shocking degree. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli will all feel that they ought have been able to offer more of a cutting edge, though.
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Arsenal sent Premier League title warning
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart certainly feels that Arsenal’s stars failed to deliver in the North East.
Arsenal have endured an injury crisis this season, and fixtures are already piling up, but these are challenges that Arteta must find a way to overcome quickly if his side are to remain in the title race much longer.
Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day, Hart sent a warning to the North London outfit.
He said: “We understand that these guys are human beings, but the fixture schedule doesn’t. This is a really intense time of the season. From now especially, until Christmas, it’s two games a week. It’s about who can manage it, who has got the depth in squads, who is going to step up. Some big moments, and you need your big players to step up.”
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Trossard was one of Arsenal’s worst performers against Newcastle, and Martinelli and Havertz were also a long way short of their best.
Arteta also needs more from his back up options. Raheem Sterling needs to prove that he can positively impact matches from the bench, as does Gabriel Jesus, who could not turn the tide in Arsenal’s favour after he was brought on on Saturday. Although the Brazilian striker did finally end his drought earlier in the week, he still has only scored one goal since January.
Arteta may also have to make use of the upcoming January transfer window to add extra quality to his ranks. However, the Gunners could already be out of the title race before the winter market opens if their form doesn’t improve.
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