3. Arsenal Are Vulnerable At The Break
Arsenal are often infuriating to watch because they like to squander possession. Players hold on to the ball too long without showing a modicum of intent, are caught and punished on the break after losing the ball in a needless midfield tussle. It's now common sight to see a 2 v 2, 3 v3, or even a 4 v4 situation when Arsenal had the illusion of dominance and control just a split second ago. The problem with this is not that Arsenal are caught chasing after the ball, but rather that Arsenal's shambolic defense is terrifying to watch when they are out-manned. The defenders look like sheep lost in a prairie, and their deer in headlights reaction doesn't give the slightest bit of confidence to the onlooking Gooner. That Everton had 9 shots on target out of 14 is an indictment against Arsenal's central defensive pair. Arsenal claim they are good at the possession game, but possession means nothing if the final ball is poor and the midfield and defense is in the unfortunate habit of ball-watching. As Arteta can only cover so much for the back four, the team should work on being more assertive and forward driven rather than setting itself up for a defensive disaster every time the opposition switch gears and come bombing forward.