Pain in the Arsenal
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3 times when the international break haunted Arsenal

By Kenneth Daly

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 27: Gabriel Jesus of Brazil lies on the pitch injured during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Brazil at Spartak Stadium on June 27, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 27: Gabriel Jesus of Brazil lies on the pitch injured during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Brazil at Spartak Stadium on June 27, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s form was wretched after the 2012 October break. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s form was wretched after the 2012 October break. (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. The October break (2012/13)

This break does not focus on an individual absence, but rather on our bad form once club football recommenced.

The mixed beginning Arsenal endured in 2012/13 (12 points from seven matches) was trumped by an even worse start from Norwich City, who were still winless and languished down in 19th position. On paper, and after some international respite, it appeared the hosts would provide us with a badly needed victory.

Oh, how wrong we were. Arsenal laboured against the Canaries’ stubborn defence and failed to engineer any clear-cut chances despite dominating possession before a poor Vito Mannone parry to Grant Holt condemned us to our first league defeat at Carrow Road since 1984.

Norwich woes were then compounded by a 2-0 Champions League loss to FC Schalke 04 which ultimately cost us top spot in the group and a knockout tie against Galatasaray. Instead, Bayern Munich awaited and the European journey was soon over.

Mikel Arteta has already exorcised the ghosts of Goodison Park and Pep Guardiola, so perhaps we are in safe hands this time around.

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