The Worrying Stats Highlighting Arsenal’s Decline

Arsenal’s decline in attacking efficiency this season has become an increasingly worrying trend. Once lauded for their free-flowing football and clinical finishing under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners now find themselves struggling to maintain the same standards that pushed them into last season’s title race. The numbers paint a concerning picture, suggesting their once-potent attack has lost much of its sharpness.

At this stage of the 2022/23 season, Arsenal had scored a staggering 40 goals after 16 matches. This impressive tally not only showcased their creativity but also demonstrated their ability to finish chances with ruthless efficiency. However, the current campaign tells a different story. After 16 matches this season, Arsenal have only managed to find the net 29 times — an 11-goal drop.

The decline in attacking output can be attributed to a drop in shooting accuracy and a loss of clinical edge in front of goal. Arsenal’s Expected Goals (xG) statistics provide a clearer insight into their struggles. Last season, their xG stood at 31.53 by this stage, reflecting a team creating plenty of high-quality chances. This year, however, the xG has dipped to 27.7, highlighting a significant reduction in their ability to carve out clear-cut opportunities.

These numbers suggest Arsenal’s attack is not just failing to convert chances but also struggling to create them at the same rate as before. Arteta’s side, once known for their fluid attacking movements and high-intensity pressing, seem to have hit a creative block. This stagnation has allowed opponents to adapt, effectively neutralizing Arsenal’s primary strengths.

One major factor contributing to this decline is the way teams have begun to approach matches against Arsenal. Last season, Arsenal’s direct and high-tempo style often overwhelmed opponents, but now teams are sitting deeper, defending in compact blocks, and frustrating the Gunners’ attacking rhythm. This tactical shift has exposed Arsenal’s limitations in breaking down stubborn defenses.

For instance, in recent matches, Arsenal have enjoyed significant possession but struggled to turn that dominance into goals. Against teams content to absorb pressure and hit on the counterattack, Arteta’s men have lacked the creativity and cutting edge to find a breakthrough. This inability to unlock defenses has resulted in dropped points in matches where Arsenal would have previously secured comfortable victories.

The absence of a prolific goalscorer has also been a notable issue. While Gabriel Jesus offers movement and link-up play, his inconsistent finishing has limited Arsenal’s attacking threat. Similarly, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who were instrumental in last season’s success, have not hit the same heights in terms of goals and assists. Their reduced output has placed greater pressure on the midfield to contribute, but even players like Martin Ødegaard have seen a slight dip in form.

Defensive improvements have masked some of Arsenal’s offensive struggles, but they cannot continue relying on clean sheets to win games. In the Premier League, the ability to outscore opponents remains crucial, especially for a team with title aspirations. Arsenal’s current goalscoring form raises doubts about their ability to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, who continue to find the back of the net with regularity.

Furthermore, fatigue and squad depth are becoming significant concerns. Arteta’s reliance on a core group of players has led to signs of burnout, particularly during the busy December fixture schedule. Injuries to key players like Thomas Partey have disrupted Arsenal’s balance, while new signings such as Kai Havertz have struggled to make the desired impact.

The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining whether Arsenal can reverse this downward trend. Matches against Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Brighton will test their ability to overcome deep-lying defenses and rediscover their attacking form. Dropping points in these games would not only damage their title hopes but also risk dragging them into a fight for a top-four finish.

Addressing these issues requires a tactical rethink from Mikel Arteta. While Arsenal’s build-up play remains strong, there is a clear need for greater unpredictability in the final third. Arteta must find ways to make his side less predictable, whether through faster transitions, set-piece improvements, or changes in personnel.

Additionally, the January transfer window presents an opportunity for Arsenal to strengthen their squad. Bringing in a proven goalscorer or a creative playmaker could provide the spark they desperately need. Failure to act in the transfer market could see Arsenal struggle to keep up with their rivals during the second half of the season.

The pressure is now mounting on Arteta to find solutions. Five years into his tenure, the Spaniard has transformed Arsenal into a competitive side, but expectations have risen. Fans and pundits alike are now questioning whether Arteta can take this team to the next level or if the current campaign will mark another near-miss.

It is worth noting that a dip in form is not unusual for teams challenging for titles. Last season, Arsenal also experienced a mid-season wobble but managed to recover before ultimately falling short to Manchester City. The challenge for Arteta is to ensure this current decline does not spiral into a crisis.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s season hinges on their ability to rediscover their attacking edge. The talent is undoubtedly there, but the team’s confidence and sharpness in front of goal must return quickly. Otherwise, what once seemed like a promising campaign could slip away, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the direction of the club.

For now, the Gunners remain in the race, but the margin for error is narrowing. Arteta and his players must address these worrying signs urgently, or their title ambitions will soon give way to a battle for Champions League qualification.