Arsenal: 4 biggest disappointments this season

Just One Win Against the Big Six

Note: so far.

Only Tottenham of the ‘Big Six’ have crossed Arsenal’s path this season and been on the losing end. That’s seven matches played, six goals for, 19 conceded, and three points accrued.

Unsurprisingly, that leaves the Gunners bottom of the ‘Big Six’ mini-table.

Even Spurs and Manchester United, who sit below Arsenal in the actual table, have won more games and the argument to make for them being better sides is a questionable one.

Of course, a lot depends on style. What Arteta is building is a team that can compete against the best sides in the country playing to their strengths and not altering their approach to suit. United and Tottenham are both more willing to sit back and limit their attacking output in search of points, whereas the Gunners are less keen to deviate from the blueprint.

The upside is that over a longer period of time Arsenal can create a sustainable way to challenge the best teams in the country. If they master their methods then their chances of winning the bigger games is greater than a more hopeful strategy of sitting deeper.

That’s something everyone can get behind. But still, four games against Liverpool without a goal? Just one win against a dreadful Nuno Espirito Santo team? It would have been more pleasant if even just one of these bold Arsenal displays resulted in a draw.

Good thing there are plenty more opportunities to set that straight this season.

Continued on next page…