The defensive security is gone, the set pieces aren't producing, and there's no flow or sting in our attack. Everyone was off today. At this point in the season, every squad is injury-hit, so the absence of Saka, Timber, Merino, and Odegaard is no excuse. Bournemouth, a good team but one that had drawn five games in a row, came to our place and looked very comfortable. Madueke fell asleep for a couple seconds and the Cherries got a great crossing opportunity, then a freak deflection allowed Kroupi to finish smartly from two yards into an open goal. We got one back with a pen on an unintentional handball. 1-1 at the half. The second half went even worse, as we produced nothing other than some dangerous corners and Bournemouth scored their winner via an untracked midfielder who latched onto a loose ball in our area. We never really looked like getting back into it. Fair result.
We look like pretenders, not champions. If Bournemouth can ease past us at the Emirates, how could we hope to win games against Man City, PSG, Barcelona, or Bayern? The Gunners are shorn of belief, and that's understandable. They look lost out there. A turnaround is required and it could still come if we can get a fit Saka in the lineup. And of course City could stumble, but they specialize in finishing strong and must feel that they have a great chance to lift another cup.
Arteta has to shoulder a lot of blame for this collapse. Where are the ideas? Every game they try the same stuff that didn't work the last time. The players are talented but they can't make progressive passes. It's really easy to stifle us, and way too easy to get quality chances at our goal. Raya could not bail us out today. We got one lucky penalty but gave away two sloppy goals. Saliba and Gabriel are probably ruing signing new contracts, figuring that Arsenal and silverware are not compatible.
The season's not over, and we have a decent shot at winning the league and an outside chance at the Champions' League. But after today, I am not optimistic. I dread the comments on Arseblog. Supporters will be angry, and it's hard to blame them.
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