[ad_1]
Arsenal endured a disappointing loss to Manchester United, prior to the poor showing against the red devil’s the gunners were on a five game winning streak, another win or at least a draw was expected from the gunners.
Prior to the game Thomas Partey had started the first three games and Arsenal won those games with ease, Mohamed Elneny then played against Fulham and Arsenal’s dominance reduced although a victory was secured as Arsenal came from behind to win the game.
Sambi Lokonga was then deployed in the next game after Elneny’s injury, this time Arsenal faced the possibility of playing a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, once again victory was secured, Although Lokonga did good but he was far from convincing.
So we can see why the Arsenal’s loss to a better and superior midfield isn’t rocket science, with Mohamed Elneny and Partey out injured Arteta was once again forced to deploy the inexperienced Albert Sambi Lokonga against seasoned veterans like Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, once the ball went to the wide areas Saka and Martinelli ensured the gunners had control but in midfield they were outplayed.
This was arguably the biggest factor that decided the outcome of the game, Bruno Fernandes, Eriksen, Rashford and even McTominay had it easy throughout the game.
In my opinion, this loss could easily have been avoided had Mikel Arteta and the board strengthened the glaringly weakened position, Thomas Partey’s injury woes is well documented, though a decent player Elneny isn’t on Thomas Partey’s pedestal, so it’s surprising that a direct backup as good as Partey wasn’t brought in when he got injured.
Arteta and the clubs hierarchy downplayed how serious the absence of Elneny and Partey was to the team and when they were ready to accept that Albert Sambi Lokonga wasn’t a suitable cover it was too late.
The hierarchy and Arteta swung into action after observing Lokonga in the Aston Villa game by then things was too late hence the fruitless pursuit of Douglas Luiz.
Arsenal would have done better in the game against Man United had a top defensive midfielder started the game against the red devil’s, the inability to properly strengthen the defensive midfield area could turn out to be Arsenal’s undoing this season.
Content created and supplied by: Sportsdata (via Opera
News )
[ad_2]
