Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Chelsea: 5 things we learned – Back from the brink

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal, Granit Xhaka, Hector Bellerin (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Arsenal, Granit Xhaka, Hector Bellerin (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: David Luiz of Arsenal walks off after receiving a red card during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: David Luiz of Arsenal walks off after receiving a red card during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

4. Mikel Arteta hands are tied

Mikel Arteta has made great progress in his first few weeks as Arsenal head coach. There is a greater intensity in the pressing, clearer structure and organisation in defence, and a smarter plan of action in possession. But for all of the plans that he has made — or attempted to make — there is only so much these players can do.

Whether it be relying on a teenage winger playing out of position at left-back or a hapless centre-half partnership with two error-prone veterans, or a central midfield consisting of two immobile options. There are personnel deficiencies all over the pitch, and while Arteta’s work has been positive and shown progress, there is only so much a manager can do.

Obviously, the injuries and suspensions are problematic. The top goalscorer, two left-backs, a centre-back, all of them starters or crucial back-ups. And when you are dealing with a squad that has serious weaknesses already, it is unsurprising to see these shortcomings surface. Arteta has much work to do, yes, but he also needs a lot more help.