As Arsenal battles to end a 21-year Premier League title drought, analysts say the Gunners must address one critical weakness to compete with league leaders Liverpool. With injuries mounting and key players underperforming, Arsenal’s campaign could falter without urgent squad reinforcements.
Arsenal’s uphill battle: A race against Liverpool’s dominance
Arsenal currently sits second in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool by six points with the Reds holding a game in hand. While Arsenal has shown resilience with recent wins, including a 3-1 comeback victory against Brentford on New Year’s Day, Liverpool’s consistent dominance has left Mikel Arteta’s side playing catch-up. Despite Arsenal’s impressive tally of 49 points in the second half of last season, pundits argue it may not be enough to bridge the gap unless the team addresses its glaring deficiencies.
Former England international and TNT Sports analyst Karen Carney has pinpointed Arsenal’s left-wing output as a critical area of concern. “Defensively, they’re solid. Physically, they’re unbelievable. But the thing that will stop them from winning is the output from the left-hand side,” Carney said during Arsenal’s recent win over Brentford. With star winger Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injury, the pressure on Gabriel Martinelli to deliver has intensified.
Squad depth under scrutiny as injuries mount
Arsenal has struggled with injuries to key players, including captain Martin Ødegaard and Saka, which has disrupted their rhythm. Carney emphasized the need for reinforcements, particularly in attack. “This group needs to go and buy two more players. They need another left winger,” she noted. While Martinelli stepped up with his fifth goal of the season against Brentford, consistency remains a concern for the 23-year-old Brazilian.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown echoed Carney’s sentiments, pointing to ill-discipline and injuries as factors that have hindered Arsenal’s campaign. “It’s been a tricky start to the season… but there’s still time to recover against Liverpool, who have lots of difficult fixtures coming up,” Keown remarked.
A glimmer of hope: Arsenal’s track record and Liverpool’s challenges
Despite Liverpool’s stronghold at the top of the table, Arsenal’s recent history shows they are capable of mounting a late-season charge. Last season, from New Year’s Day to the final match, Arsenal amassed 49 points in 18 games, nine more than Liverpool during the same period. If they can replicate that form, the title race could remain wide open. Additionally, Liverpool faces a daunting series of fixtures in the second half of the season, including matchups against Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal, all of which could potentially derail their momentum.
However, injuries may prove pivotal for both sides. Liverpool’s ability to maintain their form could hinge on the fitness of key players like Mohamed Salah, Alisson, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom faced injury setbacks last season. Arsenal, on the other hand, will need to navigate the absence of Saka and ensure that Martinelli and others step up to fill the void. “Every game now, Martinelli has to be the guy who creates or scores,” Carney emphasized. “If he doesn’t, Arsenal will have to look elsewhere.”
What lies ahead for Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about his team’s chances, though he acknowledges the uphill climb. “It doesn’t depend on us,” he admitted during a press conference. “But we have to continue to be like a hammer, every day. If someone wins all their matches, we congratulate them. If they don’t, we’ll be there.”
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures are relatively favorable compared to Liverpool’s. While Liverpool must tackle several top-six opponents, Arsenal’s toughest remaining matches include an away clash at Anfield and a North London derby against Tottenham. Maintaining consistency and capitalizing on Liverpool’s potential slip-ups will be critical if Arsenal is to turn the tide.
Can Arsenal finally deliver?
As the Premier League enters its decisive months, Arsenal’s title hopes rest on both tactical adjustments and the ability of their squad to overcome adversity. Reinforcing the left wing and maintaining fitness among key players will be crucial if the Gunners are to compete with Liverpool’s relentless pace. While recent history offers a glimmer of hope, Arsenal must demonstrate consistency, resilience, and clinical finishing to avoid yet another season of falling just short. With Liverpool already proving formidable under manager Arne Slot, Arsenal will need to be near-perfect in the second half of the campaign to stand a chance.
As Karen Carney aptly summarized, “Second place isn’t good enough for Arsenal anymore. They’ve been there, they’ve experienced the heartbreak, and now it’s about taking that next step.” Whether they can rise to the occasion or falter under the weight of expectation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Premier League title race is far from over.
