SAT, APRIL. 22 2023-theGBJournal |In the last two matches, Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to earn a draw. It was the same story but different scenarios as Arsenal fought their way back from two goals down to earn a draw at the Emirates. It wasn’t the result Arsenal wished for, but it keeps them in the title race.
The Gunners have been a shadow of themselves for the past couple of weeks, drawing their third game in a row.
Following Aaron Ramsdale’s blunder 27 seconds into the game, Carlos Alcaraz put Southampton ahead. Arsenal now have the two quickest goals in the Premier League this season, and both have come at the Emirates.
13 minutes later, Theo Walcott extended the lead against his former club. Six minutes after Walcott’s goal, Martinelli drew one back in order to give the Gunners the lead, but Duje Caleta-Car restored the two-goal lead, and Martin Odegaard drew one back before Saka erupted the stadium after netting the equalizer a few minutes before the end of normal time. Arsenal pressed but failed to score the game-winning goal.
No William Saliba exposes Arsenal’s defensive woes as Partey’s poor form continues.
Since Saliba’s injury, Arsenal have struggled to cope defensively; they have conceded goals, there’s a lack of defensive organizational structure without him, and the communication between the defense and the rest of the team hasn’t been superb.
Arsenal need him to be back; the last few games have shown he is their defensive leader.
Partey’s poor form has been another reason Arsenal has capitulated; he is the link between defense and attack and vice versa, and he relives Odegaard’s defensive duties, allowing him to flourish in a creative role.
Partey has been sloppy and hasn’t shown himself to be a leader on a team that desperately needs mental leaders.
Martin Odegaard and Saka are contenders for player of the season.
You can’t call the keys to Arsenal’s title push without calling these two the first two; they have stepped up when it matters; they offer not just goals and assists but creativity and link-up plays; they are central to almost all Arsenal attacks; and with performances like this, there would be a shout-out for player of the season depending on their position.
Title contenders or title pretenders
Arsenal have topped the league almost every week but are looking to fall short at the latter stage of the season. For some people, Arsenal have never been contenders but pretenders; they don’t have the tenacity to win the league. How the Arsenal team behaves mentally will determine if they are pretenders or contenders.
Southampton is ready to fight till the end.
Despite losing three matches back-to-back, the Southampton side is showing they won’t give up easily. The team has the quality, with a blend of young and experienced players, to hardly escape relegation, but never say never.
Twitter-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.ng| govandbusinessj@gmail.com
