Arsenal have been the masters of their own downfall

Throughout the season, Arsenal have made numerous error which have led to the loss of points, the conceding of goals and possibly, the loss of the Premier League title.

With both individual and managerial errors from Mikel Arteta and his team, Arsenal have suffered from their own mistakes more than their opponents’ ability.

"“We are conceding too many simple goals” – Mikel Arteta"

Individual errors

The frustrating nature of Arsenal’s misfortunes has made a disappointing viewing for the fans. Although all players make mistakes, the repeated lack of judgement and concentration has been the reason that these errors have been made.

Mistakes leading to a goal in 2023:

Manchester United – Due to poor communication between Takehiro Tomiyasu and Aaron Ramsdale from a corner, both players tried to clear it, leading to a tame effort which Lisandro Martinez punished.

Manchester City (x2) – Under pressure from Jack Grealish, Tomiyasu’s pass to Ramsdale came with very little power and was intercepted by Kevin De Bruyne, who scored. Then, Gabriel attempted a pass to Xhaka but the poor effort was intercepted by Bernardo Silva, who opened up the Arsenal defence before Grealish fired home.

Bournemouth (x2) – From kick-off, a long ball found Dango Ouattara who played a low cross into the box, both Gabriel and William Saliba missed the ball and Philip Billing was behind them to tap it in. For the second goal, Thomas Partey was unable to follow Marcos Senesi who made a run to the near post and was unmarked to score.

West Ham – A rash challenge by Gabriel allowed Lucas Paqueta to go to ground and win his side a penalty after Partey was dispossessed by Declan Rice.

Southampton (x2) – Trying to find Oleksandr Zinchenko, Aaron Ramsdale’s pass gets intercepted just outside the penalty box by Carlos Alvarez who shoots. From a corner, Zinchenko is unaware of Duje Ćaleta-Car who makes a run behind him and nods the ball into an open net.

Of course, players will make mistakes throughout the season, resulting in goals being conceded, but this has happened far too much this season, and Arsenal are dropping vital points in the race as a result.

A repeated theme of switching off emerges in this list, from set-pieces and open play, poor decisions in vital areas of the pitch has seen Arsenal get punished this season.

Gain from the risk

However, Arsenal do gain chances from taking these risks. Although sometimes their plan may backfire, if executed correctly, the Gunners get rewarded.

Despite conceding while attempting to play out from the back, Arteta’s side also sees brilliant goals being scored like Ødegaard’s strike against Tottenham Hotspur.

Although it didn’t work against Manchester United or Liverpool, Arteta’s attacking substitutes against Bournemouth and Southampton gained the Gunners four crucial points in the title race.

It is no coincidence that these risks worked against the weaker opposition. The better players and sides will punish you for your mistakes, whereas poor defending from Southampton and Bournemouth allowed Arsenal very late goals.

Why have Arsenal made so many mistakes?

Some mistakes come down to the lack of experience in the side. The players haven’t fully grown mentally and therefore will make more mistakes due to the pressure and lack of experience in certain situations.

Arsenal demand to do things the best way, even if they may be caught out sometimes. For example, Arteta’s side play out of the back nearly every time despite the risk involved, whereas some teams would boot the ball long, despite it not being the best option.

Has it cost Arsenal the title?

In just over a month, we will find out whether these mistakes will have cost Arsenal the title. But if they do, it will be agonising for the fans to know that these simple errors cost their team vital points in the run-in.