Arsenal reach Europa League quarter-finals – but glaring issue remains

Arsenal Have a Big Problem on Their Hands – Game Management

This is an issue that while new under certain circumstances, has been a mainstay throughout all of Arteta’s tenure.

Having come to light in the win over Tottenham in which the side collapsed in the final 15 minutes and again against Olympiacos for a similar period of time after the Greek side scored – they lost possession 27 times in the 15 minutes that followed – the issue of game management has moved up the pecking order to the top end of the to-do list.

It’s been a constant concern for the coaching staff; indeed, since Arteta became Arsenal manager only Southampton and Newcastle have dropped more points from winning positions in the Premier League than the Gunners’ 23 (Orbinho).

The crux of this issue stems not only from a lack of organisation and game management, but also has its roots in ruthlessness. If Arsenal converted the chances they create for themselves, or at least made their dominance count, the whole outlook of matches shift from that point.

Frustration and nerves are a lethal cocktail. All too often Arsenal find themselves drowning in it. Not capitalising on their control breeds vexation, which filters through into restlessness as the opponent grows in confidence at a point where Arsenal’s own dissipates.

Equally, baffling decisions on the ball from certain individuals prise open the already ajar door for the opposition to waltz their way back in. Every issue Arsenal have joins together to form a perfect storm of fear and carelessness, adding to a game management issue and taking it to new and dangerous levels.

Eradicating individual errors and amending poor conversion rates won’t solve the issue entirely, but it will make a considerable difference.

As far as Thursday is concerned, European football is about winning. By all means lose the first leg 3-0 as long as you win the second leg 4-0. Results matter more than performances. However, if the performances aren’t handled better, the results won’t follow.