Welcome to today's analysis,where we dive into the recent VAR decision that has sparked quite a bit of discussion. For once, VAR got it spot on: Lewis-Skelly's sending off was justified and a clear red card. Although the referee initially considered it a yellow card offence, the youngster's action undeniably denied Kudus a clear goal-scoring opportunity. With Raya well off his line,if Kudus had gained possession, the scoreline could easily have been 2-0.
Now, the critical question is whether Lewis-Skelly's decision was a wise one. In my opinion, it wasn't. However,it's important to acknowledge that his commendable determination to win played a significant role in his decision. Despite this,I believe it's often better to concede a goal than to lose a player, even though Arsenal did manage to play slightly better with just ten men on the field.
The harsh reality is that this Arsenal squad isn't yet title-winning material, primarily due to a lack of depth. When fully fit,the first XI can compete with any team globally, but injuries have been a significant setback. It's likely that the club's hierarchy has come to terms with the fact that silverware might not be on the cards this season, which could explain why they opted not to sign a new striker. It's tough to rely on someone who hasn't truly played in that role.
Merino tried his best, but he stood little chance against a disciplined West Ham defence. Coming on against Leicester to score a brace was easier, in the previous match,as he was under less pressure and he had the surprise factor. Although he claimed he wouldn’t play there again, no one believed it. Last time he played there he was eight-years-old apparently. Well, he needed someone alongside to share the burden.
Maybe Sterling deserved a start in a two-pronged attack, as he looked relatively sharp when he came on,but then Arsenal were chasing a game they’d already lost. As I watched the first-half action unfold,just before Bowen and Wan-Bissaka struck for the Hammers, I had a feeling these two might deliver a surprise blow. And those two were the ones who delivered the fatal blow. The Gunners had been struggling with a lack of incisiveness throughout the first half.
Despite Nwanieri and Trossard delivering some decent crosses into the box, the presence of a makeshift striker like Merino meant there was little chance of converting those opportunities into goals. The lack of a true finisher has been a glaring issue. To turn the tide, Arsenal had to consider making some crucial changes. The starting eleven seems was missing the energy and creativity necessary to shift the momentum of the game in their favour.
The situation that demanded immediate attention after half time, and to give Arteta his due,he started throwing on his substitutes, which included Ben White later. White was good but overall the substitutes didn’t make much difference and seeing Rice go off was far from reassuring. Now, all eyes are on Arteta. What does he have planned to change the course of this season? Will he pull off a tactical masterstroke,or will the team continue to falter, like rabbits caught in headlights?
The next few matches will be telling. In my opinion, all efforts should be focused on the Champions League. The possibility of catching Liverpool at the top of the league seems increasingly unlikely. Scratch that! It’s mission impossible. With that in mind, prioritizing success in Europe might just be the strategic move Arsenal need. In conclusion, while challenges abound, there's still plenty to play for.
The journey continues,and with the right focus,there are still opportunities to shine on the European stage. Thank you for joining us today, and stay tuned for more insights and analysis in the coming weeks.