The Gunners will fear the worst as Arsenal suffer another major setback after a shock defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup and Gabriel faces an injury scare.
Arsenal’s season is on the verge of collapse after winning two trophies in two weeks
When you look at Arsenal today, you can see the scars of the past coming to light. Even before they were eliminated in both cups, dropping points seemed like a disaster.
His sinking into the ground during the draw with Wolves in February gave the impression that he knows what it feels like when a team fails, but he doesn’t realize what it feels like to cross the line.
The recent loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final was a missed opportunity for a number of reasons. First, it cost them a chance at a trophy. Secondly, it was an opportunity to make a statement against a direct rival and a team that had caused him a lot of heartache. A missed opportunity.
The way City defeated Arsenal was also a cause for concern. After overcoming the storm in the first half, City felt like they were ready to prove that as a football team, we are the better team when faced head-on. They were certainly there that day.
So we started talking about focusing on the next job and getting back on track. But Southampton didn’t get the memo. Arsenal’s FA Cup dreams go up in smoke in the Championship. And then to the post mortem.
read more: Mikel Arteta issues immediate demands to Arsenal after shock FA Cup defeat to Southamptonread more: Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal stars ‘nervous energy’, familiar problems are being called out
It went from 4 rotations to 3 rotations and then to 2 rotations. Winning the Premier League and Champions League double is nothing to shy away from, even if it is historic. But that’s not what all viewers were talking about a few weeks ago. Arsenal’s ambitions have dwindled.
They’ll be hoping their defensive options don’t do the same. Gabriel, the most impressive member of the back four this season, was sent off 20 minutes into the game against St Mary’s. “I think he felt something, but I don’t know exactly what it is. We’ll have to assess him, but obviously when a player wants to be replaced, that’s never good news,” Arteta said of the Brazilian.
Arsenal’s emotions are starting to show on the pitch (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Arsenal are in the lead but are being chased down and are trying to maintain their composure but have lost their defensive pulse. I feel like this story has happened before. In 2023, William Saliba was injured in the spring when Arsenal were aiming for the title, but slumped in the final weeks.
With the exception of the Frenchman, the decline was clear. Back then he was a pillar of the team, but now Gabriel is just as important and, in some people’s eyes, even more valuable. Going back three years, they only won three of their last nine games and missed out on the title.
Few people believe that déjà vu is so harmful. They still have to play City, who also have a game of their own, and if Guardiola’s side win both games, the gap will close to three points. This means Arsenal could end up in second place with five wins and two losses with games remaining.
Manchester City are hitting their stride at the right time and have already won the trophy (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
The hope is that the gunner will be much better equipped as a result of last time’s disappointment. They won’t be the first team in history to have to endure some heartbreak before finally crossing the line.
The addition of key personnel like Declan Rice will help their cause as they seek to quell the outside noise. Arteta’s side are also far better defensively, with the likes of Cristian Mosquera and Ben White able to provide cover in case Gabriel’s injury is prolonged.
Of course, we hope that he can shake off the aforementioned issues and continue his partnership with Saliba. But even if that isn’t the case, Arsenal have talent that didn’t exist three years ago.
Back in 2023, Arsenal were always ahead of the curve and it felt like they were overachieving by being at the top. Who’s to say that those expectations didn’t weigh heavily on a group of players, most of whom have never won a title? Now, they’re exactly what they’re supposed to be and have worked almost all season.
Arsenal know the pain of missing out on the title – and will now focus on Gabriel’s fitness (Image: Getty Images)
Arteta has continued to put up solid numbers in press conferences, even if his antics on the touchline have polarized opinion. He was just full of life, and some wondered if his demeanor was having a positive impact on the team.
Defeat at Southampton will not end the doubts. Even if they cross the line, Arsenal will never become the most beloved champions in Premier League history. Their methods, primarily their dead-ball prowess, weren’t to everyone’s liking.
There appears to be a desire among some in the football world to see North London collapse in the double finish some fans are hoping for, with Tottenham relegated and Arsenal finishing second.
Even if the Gunners don’t complete the double and only win the league title, they will still be kicking the monkey off their backs in a big way. Winning titles is difficult, especially when Guardiola is breathing down your neck. The Catalan proved he could win titles in canter in 2018, but after that he needed to prove he had the stomach for a fight, which he achieved in 2019.
His former deputy Arteta will need to prove he can do both at the same time.
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