A lot can change within a very short period of time. While Tottenham Hotspur couldn’t stop scoring, Arsenal in recent time have looked tactically and technically as Mikel Arteta’s men have their own destiny in their hands following wins against Chelsea and Manchester United. Take a look at the current scenario.
Arsenal went to Stamford Bridge and scored with all four of their shots on target, making it seven in two games just a few days later after scoring just twice in their previous 73 efforts on target, including a highly deflected long-range drive.
The atmosphere has changed drastically. Even though it’s tempting to be caught up in the emotions, it was difficult to see where this team would get a goal, let alone a win, after three consecutive defeats caused by three lackluster performances.
However, a brutally effective performance at the European champions’ stadium was followed by a chaotic victory over Manchester United, in which the Gunners rode their luck to a 3-1 victory.
To achieve their ultimate aim of returning to the Champions League, they just must keep winning games. However, there are three things they must avoid in order to make it happen.
Minimize the chaos
The fans have watched 180 minutes of Premier League football that can only be described as chaotic. Carnage might work in your favour at times, but it can also work against you.
The frantic pace of the contest against Chelsea favoured Arsenal. Another team needed to open up and enable them to be played through for a team that was failing to hit the back of the goal, with this team being a squad that can pick apart the best in transition. How did Arteta manage to bring order to the situation?
When the game against Man United devolved into madness, it was not in Arsenal’s favour for bits and parts but Granit Xhaka goal was that much needed cushion that the Gunners needed.
Avoid injuries
The sight of Takehiro Tomiyasu coming to the pitch late in the game against Manchester United elicited enthusiastic applause from the home crowd. Above all else, a lot of it will have been due to relief.
While those who have stepped in have done an excellent job, the basic fact is that this team needs all of the help it can get to get through the last stretch, regardless of how many games left. The injuries to Kierney Tierney and Thomas Partey have left the squad severely depleted, both in terms of the starting lineup and depth.
It’s worrying that Arteta said after the most recent game that five or six players had knocks. It’s also disappointing to see Bukayo Saka ejected due to thigh issues. The squad is already strained, and while there isn’t much farther to go and plenty of time between matches, everyone’s fitness must be maintained to the best of their abilities.
No more unnecessary changes
Arsenal must resist making any more significant alterations to their starting lineup.
Mikel Arteta implemented a game plan to meet the high quality of opposition away at Chelsea, which was understandable. It was successful. But he’s found the perfect people to get him through till the close of the season. Granted, now that Tomiyasu is back, he should be brought into the fold, and while the lineup will shift around throughout games, there’s no reason not to continue with the players who have won the last two.
