Arsenal’s Premier League form slumps
A repeat of the previous year is looking ominously possible. After having made a brilliant start to the season, Arsenal and Arteta have run into trouble.
In a matter of weeks, they have stumbled from the pinnacle of the table. Losing to Aston Villa and West Ham and drawing with Liverpool means that they now sit 5 points below a resurgent Liverpool and 2 behind the surprise package of the season, Aston Villa.
The thing that might worry fans and the manager is that they lost points despite creating innumerable chances and being better for large chunks of time both against Villa and Liverpool. The clamor for a striker who can convert these chances is increasing. The striking force of Saka, Martinelli and Jesus is facing a season of diminishing returns, while the wait for Kai Havertz to get into stride stretches on endlessly.
Liverpool and Aston Villa look good
Liverpool, who lead the table, look to be the Reds of old. Mostly solid at the back, decent in the midfield, and with Salah doing what he does best, Liverpool fans would be excited. Trent Arnold is probably the one who makes the most impactful return to form. He has been a livewire, affecting results. A recent injury to him and a possible Salah absence due to AFCON duty might prove decisive. The likes of Diego Jota and Cody Gakpo will have to be more productive for Liverpool to maintain this run.
The most surprising package is the Unai Emery-led Aston Villa. The Spaniard has managed to extract some really eye-catching performances from his team. Villa’s organization all over the park has been a revelation, as they have started looking stronger in all parts. Their transition movements have often pushed their opposing defenses into errors.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are, by their standards, having a poor season. Pep Guardiola would be the last guy to accept a third-place finish in the table, no matter where the season is. No one dares write them off, though, as they have enough firepower to put together a winning streak and surge ahead.
Halfway through the season, it does look like this race would be a humdinger. While a long schedule still waits in front, the early markers are pointing to another close jostle at the top of the table when the last few weeks arrive. As they say, it’s anyone’s game.
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