Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions suffered another setback after a frustrating 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. The result, coupled with Liverpool’s late 2-0 victory over Brentford, leaves Mikel Arteta’s side six points behind the league leaders, having played one game more. While Arteta praised his players for their performance, the match exposed underlying issues of squad depth, defensive lapses, and missed opportunities that have plagued Arsenal’s campaign.
The Gunners looked to be cruising after Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz gave them a commanding 2-0 lead. Their fluidity and dominance in the first half showcased the best of Arteta’s tactical philosophy, with Arsenal appearing unstoppable. However, a chaotic eight-minute spell in the second half saw Villa hit back through Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins. The visitors’ spirited fightback extended Arsenal’s streak of dropped points from winning positions to 12 this season—already three more than last season’s total.
This collapse marked the first time Arsenal failed to win a Premier League home game after leading by two or more goals since October 2019, when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace. Arteta, visibly frustrated, emphasized the thin margins in such high-stakes games. “We were nowhere near the standards of what we demand. It is a thin line against them as they keep you on the verge all the time,” he admitted post-match.
One glaring issue that emerged was Arsenal’s lack of impactful options from the bench. With injuries to key players such as William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus, Arteta was forced to field a weakened squad. Midfielder Thomas Partey had to fill in at right-back due to defensive shortages, while the substitutes’ bench offered little in the way of game-changing talent. Beyond Raheem Sterling, who replaced Martinelli with eight minutes to play, Arsenal’s bench consisted of academy players, three left-backs, and deep-lying midfielder Jorginho.
Arteta bemoaned the disparity in squad depth compared to rivals like Liverpool, whose substitutes Darwin Núñez, Andrew Robertson, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott proved decisive in their win over Brentford. “They made the subs, and the subs made the impact and changed the game. On our side, it was the opposite,” Arteta said. “Half the team could go downhill because we were physically drained.”
This lack of depth underscores Arsenal’s failure to secure an out-and-out striker during the summer transfer window, a shortcoming that has left them short of attacking options in critical moments.
Defensive resilience, once a hallmark of Arteta’s Arsenal, appears to be faltering. The team’s concession of two quick goals highlighted a vulnerability that could derail their title challenge. Arteta acknowledged this, saying, “Defending the way we did for the second goal cannot be a part of our game if we want to be at the highest level in this country. It was nowhere near the standard required.”
Arsenal’s total of 12 points dropped from winning positions is their highest since the 2019-20 season, when they squandered 21. Such statistics paint a worrying picture for a team expected to compete at the top level.
Adding to the defensive woes, William Saliba missed the Villa clash with a minor issue, further depleting an already stretched backline. Arteta expressed concern over the growing injury list, which also includes Ethan Nwaneri, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. “Am I worried? Yes, for sure, especially with the numbers we have in the squad and looking at our bench,” he admitted.
Arsenal briefly thought they had snatched victory in the 88th minute when Mikel Merino’s strike deflected off Havertz into the net. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review determined that Havertz had used his arm to control the ball. Arteta conceded that the decision was correct but lamented his team’s inability to convert other opportunities. “We had many other chances that we could have put away without that goal,” he said.
Despite extending their unbeaten league run to 12 matches, the mood inside the Emirates was deflated. The dejection among players and fans alike underscored the growing pressure on Arsenal to turn performances into results.
Arteta’s post-match comments reflected a mix of pride and frustration. “We were unbelievable. I am so proud of the way we played—how dominant and fluid we were and how much we put into it,” he told reporters. “But at the same time, so disappointed. We deserve more. We didn’t get it, and we are sad because of that.”
He highlighted the physical toll on his players, who were playing their third game in six days. However, Arteta emphasized that the team’s inability to close out games must be addressed if they are to remain competitive in the title race.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Arteta hinted at the need for reinforcements to bolster Arsenal’s squad. The club has been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko. However, financial constraints and the inflated fees of the winter market could hinder immediate solutions.“
When you look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league,” Arteta said. “But when you look at the bench, you would probably say we are very short.”
The Gunners’ ability to secure impactful signings in January could prove decisive in their pursuit of silverware.
Arsenal’s next test comes in the Champions League, where they face Dinamo Zagreb. With 13 points from six group-stage matches, the Gunners have shown promise in Europe, but consistency in domestic competitions remains elusive.
With 16 Premier League games left to play, Arsenal still have time to close the gap on Liverpool. However, their margin for error is shrinking. Liverpool, with a game in hand, appear relentless, and Arsenal’s defensive frailties and lack of depth could see the gap widen further.
Arsenal’s draw against Aston Villa encapsulated the challenges facing Mikel Arteta’s side this season. While their performances often reflect the quality of title contenders, recurring issues such as defensive lapses, injuries, and a lack of squad depth are hindering their ability to secure results.
Sources
- https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/13292094/mikel-arteta-compares-arsenal-and-liverpool-bench-options-and-says-gunners-are-very-short-after-aston-villa-draw
- https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/premier-league/articles/arteta-proud-but-disappointed-of-arsenal-following-villa-comeback-2025-01-18
