MarcusAFC

Arsenal are not as bad as the scoreline suggests. But they’re also not as good as you thought after their previously flawless start to the season. Today was a game where the opposition matched their ability to exert control. That’s where individuals and moments make the difference. Brighton scored two bangers from outside the box and went in 2-0 ahead at half-time with 0.33 xG. They then scored a set-piece where Gabriel failed to marshal the back zone. Those 3 crucial moments are anomalies. For one of them to happen in a game is a surprise, but for all 3? Come on. It’s a freak outcome. And at 3-0 the game is dead. But Arsenal have to take responsibility as they failed to create enough moments. And nobody should be surprised why if you follow my analysis: - when Ødegaard plays in the #10 there are not enough bodies high outside of settled attacks (where someone like Bruno G can rotate with him). He also lacks power to carry and to pass with either foot over long distances. Arteta wanted Rogers to solve this exact problem. - Havertz was the focal point and outlet against the man-to-man press who also often dropped deep to overload Brighton, but post-injuries Saka lacks pace and although Tzolis is nippy he doesn’t have elite speed. This is why someone like Barcola would have been perfect for these types of end-to-end games. The club tried to sign an elite attacker but they didn’t get anybody so this is where they’re at right now. Still great, but flawed, and that becomes especially obvious in games that are transition-based. If you were expecting perfection from Arsenal this season then that’s on you. If there is anybody to express frustration at outside of the likes of Berta for failing to deliver a game-changing forward in the market, then it’s Eze and Gyökeres for playing poorly this season (so far). One is meant to be the creative maverick who, in theory, could solve a lot of Arsenal’s creative problems and the other is meant to be a one-man outlet in transition. But neither have been close to their level to be relied upon, so Arteta is right to not pick them in this moment. Mikel is ultimately doing his best to find internal solutions to solve Arsenal’s problems (particularly with his emphasis on Ødegaard staying high and attacking the box in EVERY press conference), but you cannot change a players profile when their game is so set in stone. Ødegaard will never be a Rogers type who is happy to get 30 touches as opposed to 70. Let’s see if there is anything else that Arteta tries over the international break with time to reflect. Maybe he can get Gyökeres and Eze firing, play Dowman more often, use Madueke off the left, play Havertz and Gyökeres together, etc… he must find internal solutions, no matter what they are. Either way, it’s the #10 and the left wing that have to improve. We all know that. The rest of the team remains top.