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Arsenal’s Title Hopes Dimmed by Transfer Window Decisions
Gary Neville has criticized Arsenal’s decision not to make any signings during the winter transfer window, arguing that it has left the team vulnerable in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
As it stands, Liverpool currently leads the Premier League, boasting an impressive 11-point gap with only 11 games remaining. This advantage was solidified after Liverpool’s commanding 2-0 win against Manchester City, coinciding with Arsenal’s disappointing home defeat to West Ham.
In the match against West Ham, Arsenal faced significant challenges as they were forced to field midfielder Mikel Merino in a forward position. This tactical adjustment came after injuries sidelined their key attackers, including Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, both ruled out for the season, alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Despite the knowledge that they would be without Saka and Jesus for the foreseeable future, Arsenal opted not to bolster their attacking options prior to the transfer window closing, a decision that now appears to have serious ramifications.
While discussing the situation on The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville acknowledged that missing players is a legitimate concern, but emphasized the need for proactive planning. “It’s a defense, but then you’ve got to plan for it,” he stated. He expressed disbelief that Arsenal didn’t secure a forward, noting that their hesitance to engage in the January transfer market has left them in a precarious position.
Neville further remarked on the pressure Arsenal faces this season, especially as Manchester City, traditionally their closest rival, has struggled. “When City weren’t going to be there, the team that had to be there was Arsenal,” he said, highlighting the missed opportunity for Arsenal to compete unabated for the title.
On a tactical note, Neville observed that Arsenal’s style of play has become predictable. He mentioned an apparent over-reliance on set-pieces, which he believes has hampered their fluidity and creativity in open play. “They’ve become quite rigid, they’ve become quite turgid at times to watch,” he commented, suggesting that the influence of a dedicated set-piece coach may have contributed to this rigidity.
Analysis: Aston Villa’s Success Underlines Arsenal’s Missed Opportunities
According to Sky Sports analyst Zinny Boswell, although Arsenal actively sought to strengthen their squad during the transfer window, they ultimately concluded that no prospective signings would effectively enhance their team.
In contrast, Aston Villa’s recent acquisitions have proven beneficial, illustrating the availability of impactful players. New signings Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, obtained on loan, have made notable contributions, showcasing the potential for short-term contracts to address immediate needs.
Boswell highlighted that while Arsenal undeniably needs a prolific striker, their lack of depth was painfully evident in their last match, where manager Mikel Arteta resorted to fielding two left-backs when trailing West Ham. “Can you imagine how much better Arsenal might have been if that had been Asensio coming off the bench?” he pondered.
There appears to be an insistence within Arsenal to pursue only ‘perfect’ signings, a mindset that may be a consequence of the current Premier League financial landscape. However, the pressing need for reinforcements should outweigh these considerations, particularly within a context punctuated by Manchester City’s downturn.
Despite Arsenal’s aspirations, the team finds itself at a critical juncture this season, having notably fallen short when they had the chance to establish a stronger position. Their transfer decisions—or lack thereof—may ultimately dictate their success or failure in this title race.
Source
www.skysports.com