The Struggles of Arsenal: Addressing Key Challenges as the Season Nears Its End

A Season of Nearly Moments

Following their 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, Arsenal fans and analysts alike are left poring over some sobering statistics. The match, which saw Arsenal take the lead with a goal from Declan Rice, highlights a recurring issue: the Gunners have let 21 points slip away from winning positions in the Premier League this season. This statistic is not unfamiliar, as it ties with their record set during the 2019/20 campaign. The fragility, especially in defending set-pieces, is glaring; nearly 40% of conceded goals have stemmed from long throws and corners. One wonders if there's a need for a specialist defensive set-piece coach.

Trouble in the Final Third

Another worrying trend has emerged. In 17 out of their 35 league games, Arsenal has managed to score only once or failed to score at all, resulting in a staggering loss of 30 potential points. While they have triumphed with a tight 1-0 scoreline in four of these matches, losses and draws have dominated the rest. This chronic issue of failing to capitalize on chances is something Mikel Arteta has frequently addressed. Despite being plagued by injuries to key forward players, including Bukayo Saka, the issue dates back to before these setbacks. How Arsenal addresses their lack of offensive potency could be pivotal for the club's fortunes.

The Need for Ruthlessness

Arsenal's exit from the FA Cup and their barren spell in the EFL Cup semi-finals further underline their struggles in front of goal. While football is undoubtedly a game of fine margins, Arsenal cannot afford to leave themselves vulnerable to uncontrollable factors like poor officiating decisions or fortunate opposition strikes. Such was evident against Bournemouth when, despite deserving the lead at halftime thanks to an impressive Declan Rice finish, lapses in concentration allowed their opponents to claw back into the game.

Defensive Woes and Missed Opportunities

Their inability to clear a simple long throw saw the south coast team equalize, exposing Arsenal's aerial vulnerabilities. With Saka narrowly missing a chance to make it 2-0, the pressure mounted. Bournemouth capitalized on a corner kick mishap to steal the lead, with Arsenal's defense and VAR intervention both falling short.

A Historical Concern

For Arsenal, these issues aren’t merely a seasonal blip. As Arteta puts it, "make sure that we use that for Wednesday to have a massive performance in Paris," emphasizing the necessity of channeling frustration constructively. The team faces the monumental task of rectifying these shortcomings ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash. It's clear that while recent recruitment and player injuries have played a role, there is also a deeper-rooted issue with how the team executes its game plan.

Looking Forward

Wednesday offers Arsenal another chance—perhaps a final one this season—to redefine their narrative. As Arteta hopes, turning the "rage, anger, frustration" from recent performances into a driving force could be crucial. The question remains: Has the club learned enough from these setbacks? The match against Paris could well provide the answer.