Arteta’s side have been in impressive form for the most part in 2022 and up until recently had occupied the much-coveted fourth spot which would secure a return to the Champions League. However, they have since been ousted from the position by their fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The latest set of Premier League results saw Spurs run riot at home to Newcastle as Antonio Conte’s men put five past the Magpies after originally going a goal behind. In stark contrast, Arsenal failed to mount a similar kind of comeback and were beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace.
It was a night to forget for the Gunners at a rowdy Selhurst Park, as Patrick Vieira’s men delivered a sucker punch that could change the course of Arsenal’s season. Some suspect defending from Nuno Tavares and Gabriel Magalhaes allowed the Eagles to enjoy a two-goal cushion before the 30 minute-mark.
What became more apparent as the game wore on was Arsenal’s lack of firepower up front. For all of Alexandre Lacazette’s ability when it comes to bringing others into play, his goal threat has been nearly non-existent for some time.
The Frenchman has just four Premier League goals to his name all season, while his deputy Eddie Nketiah is yet to get off the mark in the league at all so far this campaign.
These kind of numbers have led some to question whether sanctioning the permanent departure of Aubameyang and allowing academy star Folarin Balogun to leave on loan was the right call. Arteta has since responded in rather emphatic fashion.
The Gunners boss replied: “I haven’t heard that question in the last six weeks so I have already forgot about that question. When you remind us with those questions its always after a defeat and I don’t like to comment on things like that.”
Few had questioned Arteta’s decision while Arsenal were in a fantastic vein of form securing wins against the likes of Wolves, Leicester City and Aston Villa. In the wake of Monday night’s loss, it’s clearly a very different story.
Allowing Aubameyang’s departure was always going to divide the fanbase, but the situation has not been eased from an Arsenal perspective by the fact their former talisman has hit the ground running at FC Barcelona. The Gabon international has already scored more for the La Liga giants in just four months than Lacazette and Nketiah both have for the Gunners this term.
