4 reasons why Arsenal lost two consecutive games

From going 22 games unbeaten to losing 2 games in a row, the problems at Arsenal are finally getting revealed. Unai Emery and co lost to Southampton a week ago, and the home game against fierce-rivals Tottenham was their chance to get back to winning ways.

But the Gunners failed to make an impact, despite the game being at the Emirates, and Spurs finally got their revenge.

What exactly went wrong for Arsenal?

Unai Emery's tactics are absolutely not to be blamed, as they have been performing pretty well in European competitions as well as domestically. His tactics have always been on point, and therefore something else caused the defeats.

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#1 Squad selection

Mesut Ozil has not featured for Arsenal in the past 5 games

I think Emery's squad selection played a bit of a role here. He left Ozil at home for the game and started Alex Iwobi and Mkhitaryan for the 4th time in a row. Also, he deployed Niles as a right back and started with a back four, consisting of Granit Xhaka and Sokratis as centre backs, despite Koscielny being on the bench.

Kolasinac and Bellerin were both out due to injuries, and they are pretty much the reason why Arsenal score so many goals. Arsenal's starting centre backs, Mustafi and Holding, are also out as a result of injuries.

Ramsey was the #10 for the game, and Aubameyang started as a sole striker, with Guendouzi and Torreira playing a double-pivot in the midfield.

Throughout the game, there was a lack of creativity in the Arsenal side, and their only attempt was to cross the ball via the wings. Mkhitaryan, Lacazette, and Ramsey got their chances, but they all either hit the keeper or the woodwork, and they were denied a goal.

#2 Granit Xhaka playing out of position

Granit Xhaka - vital player

For every game Arsenal has lost or drawn this season, Xhaka has been played out of position. The away game against Crystal Palace, Southampton, Manchester United, and now against Tottenham. The Torreira and Xhaka partnership was very vital for Arsenal, as they have protected the back four better than anyone.

Guendouzi is great, but he just cannot measure up with Xhaka's abilities in the middle of the park. His aerial ability, through balls, and accurate shots have always paid off for the Gunners, and without him in the centre of the pitch, Arsenal have suffered.

#3 Injuries

Rob Holding - out injured

The major reason why Arsenal could not hold on to their unbeaten run any longer was injuries. The away game against Southampton saw 4 of Arsenal's key defenders injured, and the same thing repeated against Tottenham.

The likes of Kolasinac, Bellerin, Mustafi, and Holding were all out for the game, with Rob Holding sidelined until the start of the next season.

To add more problems, Danny Welbeck is also injured and sidelined for the rest of the season. He was a regular starter in cup games, and without him, either one of Aubameyang or Lacazette have to take his place, cutting down their rest period.

#4 Fatigue

Aubameyang has played constantly for Arsenal in the last 4 weeks

As a result of long and short-term injuries, Unai Emery has found it pretty complicated to rotate the squad with ease. He had to win the game against Tottenham, but also give rest to his key players for the important games next week against Burnley, Brighton, and Liverpool.

A top-four finish is top of the priority list this term for Arsenal. The Gunners do not want their team to play more Europa League games, and a UCL spot is all they ask from Emery this season.

But considering the options Unai has, it is going to be a tough task on the desk for him and his coaching staff.

As they play against Burnley on Saturday at home, it's time for Emery and co to win. Three defeats in a row would be disappointing and disturbing, both for the fans and the players.