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After a disappointing 1-0 defeat away at Stoke, it’s time once again to analyse the title credentials of Arsenal FC. Once again, the club showed why they’re the laughing stock of the supposed big teams in England. The defeat raised many questions about Arsenal’s title chances of winning the league and they clearly don’t look good.
The Premier League is the most coveted prize in all of English football and Arsenal fans have almost forgotten how it feels to possess such a trophy. Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League title since 2004, it’s been a long thirteen years for the fans and that drought doesn’t look like ending anytime soon.
Here are 5 reasons why Arsenal have no chance at winning the EPL this year.
#5 Still need a CB
In the opening two games of the season, Arsenal have played two LBs as part of a back three. These are two players who are clearly uncomfortable in the position and, unfortunately, Wenger didn’t foresee this. As a result the Gunners have conceded 4 goals in two games.
The boss knew that Laurent Koscielny would be suspended, he knew Mustafi would be coming back from an international break and he knew Rob Holding wasn’t ready to be starting.
Instead, he ignored all that and refused to sign a CB. Even with all players fit, Arsenal need a new CB. Let’s not forget that Laurent Koscielny is 31 years old, his peak playing powers are coming to an end.
Football’s a harsh game and there’s no time to wait for below-par players to blossom. Shkodran Mustafi is not the guy Arsenal fans thought he was, he’s slow, rash, indecisive and poor at holding a defensive line. Arsenal need a CB not only to bench the German but to improve the whole solidity of the team.
#4 Arsène Wenger hasn’t changed
The boss may have desperately switched to a 3-4-3 towards the end of last season, but Arsène Wenger’s approach to games is still as naive as ever. For the record, Arsenal haven’t won the opening two games of a season in 7 years, why’s that? Because of Arsène Wenger’s failure to prepare in pre-season. His tactics never evolve and his approach is always the same, his laissez-faire attitude is outdated by about 10 years.
After the Stoke game, the Frenchman blamed the officiating of the game instead of his team’s own incompetence. It was the same old Arsène Wenger that many fans had hoped had changed, he doesn’t see the flaws of his team he only sees how the universe is perpetually against him.
Now that the 67-year old has signed a new 2-year deal, fans can expect not to see the Premier League title travel to North London for another 2 years.
#3 Still no leaders
This narrative may be overplayed and redundant but until Arsenal acquire some leaders, the claim remains valid. Against Stoke City, Arsenal reminded everyone what they already knew, the Gunners are a bunch of pushovers that can be roughed up by anyone on any given day.
Everyone knows that if you get in the faces of the Arsenal players, rough them up, get physical and overload their defence, you’ll win. Stoke did just that and Arsenal once again crumbled as they often do away from home.
The reason Arsenal succumb to such pressure is because they have no strong personalities in their team. When the going gets tough, Arsenal and Arsène Wenger get going in dramatic fashion. Arsenal only picked up one point away from home against the top 6 teams last season and that stat won’t be bettered this season.
#2 Not replaced Santi Cazorla
In the past 3 seasons, Santi Cazorla has missed 79 games through injury for Arsenal. The Gunners have sorely missed the Spaniard as he offers a style of play none of the other midfielders can replicate.
Cazorla is a creative CM that can wriggle out of tight spaces, create chances from the middle third, link midfield and attack and score set pieces.
His close control and agility allow him to relieve Arsenal of opposing teams that press in cohesion. His trickery thus creates space for others as defenders are drawn to him. Such a creative presence helps take Wengerball to new heights where they can actually compete for the title.
Without that creative presence, Arsenal are a redundant uninspiring team. Arsène Wenger has once again gambled on the fitness of the 32-year old instead of replacing him, and now the Gunners will not come close to the title again.
#1 Others have spent more
The Gunners finished in their lowest position under Arsène Wenger ever last season and many expected Arsenal’s famous war chest to come into play this summer. Instead, the North London club have done the opposite. This summer Arsenal have spent £47.7m and brought in two players, hardly the kind of activity that will strike fear into the rest of the league.
In contrast, this summer Manchester City have spent £219.87million bringing in 7 players, Manchester United spent £147.96million bringing in 3 players. That’s why these two are now tipped as the clear favourites for the title. This is the kind of money the Gunners must be spending if they want to be considered as title challengers.
To finish 5th in the league means you have a lot of ground to make up on your rivals, not to spend a minuscule amount hoping you can move up one place. Arsenal won’t win the league not because they’re not a big club, but because they don’t spend like one.
