Arsenal’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Mikel Arteta’s side. The result, a seventh dropped points in just 15 Premier League games, leaves them a significant six points worse off than at the same stage last season. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances – exceeding two expected goals – Arsenal could only muster a single goal, leaving Arteta with a familiar sense of dejection. The game highlighted not just the team’s inability to convert chances, but more significantly, the underlying fragility that’s hindering their title aspirations.
A Defensive Meltdown: Injuries and Instability
Last season’s title challenge was built on a robust and settled defense, with William Saliba a near-everpresent figure. While there were minor disruptions at left-back, the core pairing of Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remained largely consistent. This season, however, paints a drastically different picture. The Fulham game marked the third time in seven Premier League matches that Arsenal’s first-choice centre-back partnership was unavailable, due to Saliba’s suspension and Gabriel’s injury struggles. The situation at full-back is even more dire, with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s latest injury adding to the absences of Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also spent time on the sidelines.
This defensive instability was glaringly evident against Fulham. The makeshift back four, Arsenal’s ninth different combination in just 15 league games (compared to the entire 38-game season last year), was easily exploited for Fulham’s opening goal. Jakub Kiwior, arguably Arteta’s seventh-choice centre-back, was outmanoeuvred by Raul Jimenez, a moment that perfectly encapsulates the “small margins” Arteta alluded to post-match. The constant shuffling of personnel has not only compromised defensive solidity but also severely hampered Arsenal’s offensive output.
Attacking Fluency Suffers: The Impact of Defensive Changes
The full-back situation has had a ripple effect on Arsenal’s attack. With Thomas Partey, a central midfielder, playing right-back and Timber, a right-footed player, deployed on the left, the usual width and overlapping runs were absent. Bukayo Saka, usually a key threat, was relatively quiet due to the lack of support; data reveals Partey made only one overlapping run the entire game. Similarly, Timber provided just one overlapping run for his winger. These crucial runs, vital for dragging defenders away and creating space, were simply not part of the makeshift full-backs’ game, severely restricting Arsenal’s attacking threat and making it far easier for Fulham to defend.
Set-Piece Reliance and Open-Play Concerns
Arsenal’s proficiency from set-pieces is undeniable; Saliba’s equalizer was their 23rd goal from a corner since the start of last season. However, despite Arteta’s ambition to dominate in all aspects of the game, the numbers reveal a concerning dependence on set-pieces. Their open-play expected goals (xG) have been notably low, raising questions about their creative output outside of dead-ball situations. While the defensive injuries and the absence of Martin Odegaard for a significant portion of the season undoubtedly contribute, the underlying concern remains that Arsenal’s attacking play lacks the same fluidity and threat from open play that defined their record-breaking goal tally last season.
A Packed Schedule Exacerbates Problems
The injury crisis is further compounded by Arsenal’s relentless schedule. The upcoming run of four games in 11 days, starting with a Champions League clash against Monaco, significantly increases the risk of further setbacks and necessitates increased minutes from already overworked players like Timber. While the upcoming Premier League fixtures appear slightly less daunting, the need for silverware in all competitions means there’s no room for complacency. Until a more stable and healthy squad is achieved, Arsenal’s chances of reclaiming their Premier League standing remain delicately balanced. Sunday’s draw served as a harsh reminder that the margin for error is razor-thin.
