Currently sitting second in the league table, Arsenal will feel they are right where they need to be in their pursuit of Premier League glory. Despite trailing the leaders by five points, the Gunners believe that, five games in, they have the quality to turn things around.
Arsenal’s major undoing in the title race
They certainly can, but former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby has hinted at what could hold this Arsenal side back. He suggests that Mikel Arteta’s conservative approach might be the difference between Arsenal and Liverpool in the title race.
“Liverpool aren’t going to win every game and injuries will come along, but I think it’s all about how brave each team will be,” Molby told Anfield Index.
“Slot gambles to win games, when Arteta doesn’t – and that could be the difference.”
Last season, injuries seriously disrupted Arsenal’s momentum. Losing key players for extended spells proved costly. But they have learned from that experience. The summer window saw them add not just depth, but genuine quality. Now, with a squad brimming with talent, the onus is on Arteta to extract the very best from his players.
In that 1–0 defeat to Liverpool, Arteta was accused of failing to do so, with critics claiming his side played with the handbrake on.
Arteta willing to gamble?
Yet signs suggest Arteta may be loosening the reins. Noni Madueke has been electric since arriving, while Gabriel Martinelli has looked revolutionary off the bench. Subbing off Madueke for Bukayo Saka and starting Martinelli on the bench, after his San Mamés heroics, at the weekend felt like a clear signal Arteta is beginning to take risks.
If bold calls such as deploying Mikel Merino as a false nine or even shifting Saka to play left wing are what it takes to win the league, then so be it.
What do you think, Gooners? Does Arteta need to show more bravery like Slot if Arsenal are to finally lift the Premier League trophy?
Daniel O
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What is the optimal level of perceived risk to accept? One thing to realize also is that gamblers may sometimes win in the short-term but virtually always lose in the long run.
Warned by who ?
The gaffer is a tactical genius in his own right, though his approach against Man City may come across as too cautious, but it’s merit was underscore by Arsenal’s outstanding performance in dominating large aspect of the game, despite the final score.
Although some players were bench including Eze, the team did appeared to show too much respect initially, but the tactical set up allowed Arsenal to create chances and control significant portion of the game, leading the gaffer to express pride in his team efforts and dominance.
Food for thought, never had a team dominated a Pep Guarrdiola Man City team like this before.
Can you imagine Arteta playing a 1 : 5 : 5 formation, can assure you, wouldn’t hear the end of it
I am afraid Molby is being disingenuous. Liverpool have won all their games but their system is not that much more adventurous than Arsenal’s. What gambles has Slot taken?
There is a lot of nonsense online which people are just piling into without thinking.
No, David the nonsense comes from thee. Liverpool are unbeaten in any game they have played and won ALL. MAYBE IT ISN’T ABOUT RISK BUT ABILITIES OF THE COACH.
In my opinion the play is too conservative. The exciting play and slick passing has been replaced with pragmatism, and safety over taking risks.
Is it right or wrong? Time will tell. Three 2nd place finishes is nothing to scoff at, but can Arteta take it over the line?
Disagree if you will, it is fine. We will see at the end of the season if pragmatism over production is the right path or not.