The Athletic FC Podcast
Will Arsenal's "silly mistakes" harm their title challenge?
Oct 21, 2024
Guests Phil Hay, a football reporter for The Athletic, and James McNicholas, an Arsenal writer for The Athletic, dive into Arsenal's recent struggles. They discuss the impact of 'silly mistakes' on the team's title hopes, particularly after their loss to Bournemouth without key players like Saka and Odegaard. The duo examines controversial red card decisions and tactical adjustments while playing with ten men. They highlight missed opportunities and the pressing need for discipline as Arsenal looks ahead to a critical clash against Liverpool. A must-listen for Gunners fans!
37:29
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Quick takeaways
- Arsenal's title challenge is jeopardized by recurring 'silly mistakes' and discipline issues, including three red cards this season.
- The absence of key players during critical matches highlights Arsenal's over-reliance on individuals for creativity and consistency.
Deep dives
Arsenal's Key Players and Their Impact
Arsenal’s recent performance against Bournemouth highlighted the crucial role of key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Their absence due to injury during the match is seen as a significant factor in the team's lackluster performance, as they struggled to maintain balance and creativity in the midfield. The loss of Saka, who contributes to both open play and set pieces, and Odegaard, known for his creative flair, left Arsenal without the finesse needed to unlock defenses effectively. This situation raises questions about Arsenal's reliance on these players, akin to how other top teams depend on their star players for success.
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