With Arsenal's season approaching its defining point, Mikel Arteta faces an enormity of a task. In need of fixing and with just four days to spare before their do-or-die Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, the Gunners are fast running out of time. The 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday was a disheartening setback, and it has left Arteta with three burning questions to answer when they face PSG, where they trail 1-0 on aggregate.
This loss came at the worst possible time, as Arsenal are attempting to end the season strongly and make it into next year's Champions League. With forthcoming Premier League matches against Liverpool, Newcastle, and Southampton, the pressure is now mounting. Arteta, who would have liked to have his side's top-four spot wrapped up weeks ago, will need to work tirelessly to get through these problems.
1. Defensive Fragility:
One of the biggest concerns for Arteta is his defense. Arsenal were undone by sloppy mistakes at the back against Bournemouth, including a lack of communication and poor positioning. With the PSG clash looming, the Gunners will need to tighten up at the back. PSG's attacking threat, led by the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi, demands a much more disciplined defensive performance. Arteta will have to fill these gaps, maybe with tactical changes or bringing in new faces, so that his team does not get caught out.
2. Inconsistent Attack:
Arsenal's attack has been excellent in patches this season but has lacked consistency at vital moments. Despite the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus being able to create chances, their finishing has been erratic. Against Bournemouth, Arsenal were unable to capitalize on a plethora of opportunities, and this inefficiency could be their downfall against a side like PSG, who capitalize ruthlessly on every error. Arteta needs to get his attackers firing on all cylinders so that they capitalize on the opportunities when they do come. Through a tweak in formation or more focus on clinical finishing, improvement is sorely needed.
3. Mental Toughness:
Arsenal's mentality has been questioned throughout the season. After a demoralizing loss at Bournemouth, Arteta needs to instill belief in his team ahead of the crucial Paris tie. The Gunners have shown flashes of brilliance but have often been incapable of responding to setbacks. Arteta will need to ensure that his players are mentally prepared for the challenge, especially with the pressure of the away leg and what is riding on it. Leadership from senior players like Martin Ødegaard and Aaron Ramsdale will be crucial in terms of helping the team to get through the difficult moments.
The Road Ahead
With PSG next on the agenda, there is little time for Arteta to address those issues. Winning in Paris would be a giant step towards Arsenal's goal of the Champions League final, but that means overcoming tactical as well as psychological barriers. Arsenal's manager will need to spend the next few days adjusting his team, plugging their weaknesses and boosting their confidence.
With Arteta's men preparing for their Champions League showdown, there can be no doubt that pressure is on. With not much time to turn things around, the next few days will prove crucial. Will Mikel Arteta have solutions in place soon enough? The outcome of Arsenal's clash with PSG could just determine whether this season will culminate in joy or despair.
