Just writing that title is a bitter pill to swallow. Arsenal cost Arsenal the win. From disastrous injuries, individual errors, and a clear lack of penetration upfront. Art of Analysis for the North London Derby is here.
The lineup:
Raya is our new number 1 that is for sure. He has the trust of the backline and the trust of Mikel. The GK Union also still stands as Raya made some wonderous saves with Ramsdale applauding him from the bench. Mutual appreciation and respect is there for sure. But so is the competition element, each will make one and other better.
Ramsdale will argue he could have saved the 2nd Spurs goal by getting down quicker and using his longer arms. Perhaps he is right. Perhaps this is another instance where Mikel should have been braver and made a change in GK at half time.
Vieira in the 8 role was something that caused quite a stir amongst Arsenal twitter pre kick off. However the surprise was many (including myself) calling for Kai Havertz to start. The reason being the physicality aspect of a Derby game is always a factor and the height and presence of Kai could have been utilised early to stymy an ever present Bissouma.
The biggest surprise was Jesus LW and Nketiah CF with Saka RW. The surprise of this front three was due to Trossard sustaining a Grade 1a hamstring injury in the pre match warm up. A terrible loss to an already depleted Left Wing. However, what this changed attack did highlight is a lack of penetration in the CF role when Jesus moves wide.
Eddie’s focus of play is to either drop back, hold the ball and interplay with wingers. Or as a outright poacher with tap in goals on a quick counter attack. This game completely nullified his skills and instead highlight his faults. He simply does not attack the ball enough in direct forward play. It is not his style. He isn’t a true CF. Whilst Jesus did this exact role beautifully on Wednesday against PSV. His shift wide, meant he was involved in buildup rather than in providing end product.
Arguably Reiss Nelson starting LW and keeping Jesus ST would have benefitted Arsenal more. What is clear for my eyes, is that Arsenal need another Striker and no, not Balogun. It was clear for a long time with his behaviour off the pitch and comments from Flo that he would never suit being managed by Mikel. Questions have to be asked for the utilisation of ESR and Reiss Nelson. They can help us and help avoid some of the injuries to our wingers and 8’s.
Woe is me:
Not one, not two, but three injuries to key starting XI players. Like this wasn’t tough enough, but at half time Arsenal were considerably weaker. Leandro Trossard, potentially out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 1a hamstring tear. Fabio Vieira injured during the match, Declan Rice again injured in the first half, was seen on the bench with his left calf heavily bandaged.
The loss of Rice meant Arsenal lost control in midfield. It’s as simple as that. No Rice, no Partey we played a non-match tested Jorghino. Arguably a man we’d like to bring on to complement the side when we are holding onto a lead. But no, he instead was the root cause of Tottenham equaliser. A mistake he has to his credit taken sole responsibility for, showing the leadership qualities a character trait Mikel likes.
Factor in our left wing being depleted and compounded with some horror tackles on Saka. An Arsenal side that looked strong pre game. Is now a lot weaker. Woe is me, to have seen what I have seen. That game we saw two different sides Arsenal’s first 45 controlled the game with aggressive press and direct football. Arsenal in the 2nd half weaker in midfield allowing Bissouma to control the pitch. What do we have to take away as a positive? Well simply put the result felt like a loss for us, whilst Spurs celebrated like a win. But who did they beat? Because from what I have seen Arsenal cost Arsenal. Individual errors once more haunting us.
Undefeated in 2023/24:
Yes, its game week 6. Yes, online there is an absolute melt down. But the reality is different. Arsenal have yet to lose a game this year, and we are only 1 point behind our position this time last year.
It looks worse as others are also doing well. But once more, it is game week 6 this is a Marathon and NOT a sprint. With the league and cup games a plenty. There is a long way ahead. Now we just need to make sure the squad is of the size to deal with such a task.
Conclusion:
We need to assess. We need to know who is fit. We need tactical clarity on ESR. Can he not work the 8 role while we have injury issues. Can we utilise Reiss more and free up Jesus to be a true CF.
Ultimately; I do not mind this slow start to the season as long as we don’t take a loss. We all know it’s a marathon and not a sprint, I don’t want to be fading away in the latter stages like last year. We’ve a long road ahead of us and we have only just begun! Come On You Gunners!
Written by Reekesh Somaroo