Last time out, a one nil win against Chelsea saw Arsenal cut the gap between us and Liverpool to a measly 12 points. Before you run straight to the comments to rip me apart, let me just say there was a hint of sarcasm in that. With all seriousness and with the utmost realism, our season is over barring a sensational UCL win that will surely defy expectations. For the sake of this post, I’ll focus mainly on our Premier League campaign and how it compares to the same stage last season.
A lot has been made of our struggles this campaign. More often than not factors outside the club’s control have been to blame, however the club is not entirely free from blame either. In light of the difficulties, I was very surprised with the results after doing a side by side comparison of this season versus the last (at the same stage). Looking at three key metrics specifically, goals for, goals against and total points, it clearly showed that our attack has been the problem this campaign (shocking!).
Getting into the numbers, Arsenal conceded 24 goals at the same stage last season while there is a nine goal difference between both last year and this. Indeed our tally of 53 goals scored so far is less than the 62 of last campaign. In the points difference also, Arsenal are eight points adrift (58 – 66). In my opinion – with all things considered – the point difference is not as bad as we would expect. Factoring in the points dropped due to the questionable sending-offs earlier in the season, not to talk of the never ending injuries along with everything in between, it certainly should’ve been a bigger difference in my opinion.
With that said it would’ve been interesting to see how our campaign would’ve ended up if the club had decided to actually do something business in January. Something specifically in the attack would’ve been appreciated, especially looking at the difference in goals scored. The fact that our defense has remained just as solid further begs the question, why did we gamble in January? I’ve seen opinions ranging from, the board already giving up on the season to it being down to Mikel Arteta’s own stubbornness to add to the side, but neither holds any weight for me. None of us truly know the answer but one thing is for certain, Arsenal will have to address the forward line in the summer.
What are your thoughts on the difference between last seasons campaign to this? Leave your answers in the comments below!
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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One thing I might add is that we also seem to struggle against the same kinds of teams- Newcastle,Villa,West Ham and Fulham. To get over the line,I think we need to find a way to beat these teams. Converting four draws against these teams into four wins could be the difference between 89 points and 97 points. A tweak in tactics and the arrival of new personnel in the next window should address this recurring theme.
I agree. Determined and hard working play is just the minimum requirement to draw or win in the PL. The difference between draws and wins is often that one special play individually (possibly by new personnel) or by the team through tweaked and practiced tactics whether in open play or set pieces.
The second place in EPL and reaching the quarter-final phase of UCL are pretty good achievements for a team that got five red cards and ravaged by injuries
I can’t wait to see the new players Berta will bring in the summer
By any accounts that I’ve read, the stage is certainly set for him financially. We’ll see. 🤞
I hope Berta will be much better than Mislintat and Sanllehi
Edu did a good job by signing a very-talented LW like Martinelli, so Berta should also find the hidden gems
Well 12 points behind league leaders
Glass still looks half empty to you then?
Well it’s not great is it lol
Neutral,
I once shared a glass of wine with a friend, She was to have half and I was to have half.
I had the first drink, and I drank the lot. My friend said to me why didn’t you leave me my half, and I said sorry but my half was at the bottom. 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Oh, the old ones are the best.👍😉
I guess everyone is entitled to look at that glass any which way they want. Unless we win Champion’s League my only good memories will be that of at least blooding two decent youngsters but on the other hand we lost the potential of Heaven and Obi and are now stuck with too many aging, unproductive crocks. Probably not much of a season then.