Arsenal Still Haunted by Former Demons

Arsenal, almost one year to the day, are still haunted by their former demons.

Unai Emery’s sacking brought with it unparalleled relief. Months of pinching and prodding had escalated to the point of weekly blows, where any notion of enjoyment had finally evaporated into full-scale unavoidable dread. Arsenal needed a change. They got it.

A decision that could, perhaps should, have been made six months prior were meant to signal the end of the toxicity. However, no such immediate remedy came. Fan backing had returned briefly under the stewardship of Freddie Ljungberg, but on-field drama remained.

Underlying issues still plagued the players, the kind that wouldn’t be banished in the space of a few short weeks. A new leader and vision became an apparent exigency. Arsenal’s long-term partnership with Arsene Wenger needed not replicating, but echoed in the vision of a new man to plug the leaks and reset the course.

Mikel Arteta‘s checklist began from the bottom up. Solidifying the base was first. It took observation and understanding to see how Arsenal could supplement their defensive woes, in the end a three-man central defence was the natural transition.

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A honeymoon period, of sorts, followed. Much in the vein it had under Emery where a 22-match unbeaten run lifted spirits and hinted at progress. Arsenal played like a mid-table counter-attacking team and recorded uncharacteristic victories over established sides, lifting the FA Cup in memorable fashion through their methods.

Just as Arsenal were lifeless in those dark months at the end of Emery’s tenure, the same broken spirit has returned to the fore. What weighed heavy in that period was only momentarily lifted. It’s back with a vengeance.

Sunday’s defeat to Wolves was nothing new. A repeat of factors that have slumped Arsenal into this rut in the first place, exacerbated by the agony that never dissipated in the first place.

Weak mentally, lethargic in application and devoid of originality, how easy it was for Wolves to cut through Arsenal like a warm knife through already melted butter. Too easy. Worryingly simple.

The days following that glorious afternoon at Wembley were the welcome emotions that had abandoned supporters: hope, and genuine belief. The style wasn’t the blueprint for the future, but it was Arteta squeezing every ounce of ability he could out of a group of players who are not the calibre this club needs for continued success.

A midfield pivot of Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos had pushed Arsenal towards that trophy. From Sunday’s viewing they can’t even push themselves let alone one another. Two passes was all it took from Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to find themselves within shooting distance of goal. That sets off the alarm bells, as it had done before.

Senior players – experienced heads – must be held accountable for their own inadequacies. When your hopes rest on the shoulders of a 19-year-old academy graduate and a 22-year-old central defender, the inquisitions must commence. Crisis talks and team meetings will come and go, but even the club captain displayed body language befitting of someone who’d run out of ideas.

All of which is more bemusing considering the squad have spoken in glowing terms about the greater unity and togetherness that Arteta has instilled. Every member waxing lyrical about the Spaniard’s methods and the total commitment they have in his philosophy.

The players’ demeanour everywhere other than on the pitch is chalk and cheese to what is was under the previous regime.

Then, they cross that white line. Everything changes.

Over encumbered by the weight of expectation, leadership fades and aggression vanishes. Shadows of their former selves. Each week we cry out for a spark, the turning point. Arsenal look like they need resetting entirely.

Arteta can’t go unpunished, but he’s been asked to do this job with one hand tied behind his back. The players he has – in midfield above anywhere else – are not good enough for the system he wants to play. In truth, they’re not at the level required for more than just his.

Emery didn’t get the players he needed either. Both had visions that either weren’t, or have not yet, been tended to. Thomas Partey‘s absence, no matter how minimally he’s played since joining, is a stark omission, simply because he’s the only midfielder Arteta has who you could argue he wants to keep.

The hurdles, the setbacks and the questions of authority shan’t disperse. More nights such as this will be forthcoming. Heck, it’s Sp*rs away next in the Premier League and the best shot Arsenal have is to revert to a back five. It really is.

Arteta must make some big calls and resist the urge to field those who will forsake him. Likewise, the players must dig deep to prove they’re not the ones to let him down. Arsenal are not getting the best out of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Aubameyang is not getting the best out of Arsenal.

Now Arteta must pick his players’ spirits up. It’s the North London Derby next weekend. At least there will be some midweek enjoyment to soften the inevitability.