Arsenal had a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign as they lost 2-0 to newly-promoted Brentford and after the match, much of the focus was on manager Mikel Arteta and his tactics.
The Gunners came into this game on the back of a disappointing pre-season where they never really impressed. This was compounded by losing their last game to arch-rivals Tottenham.
A few hours before the match, the north Londoners were rocked by the news that both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were out with illness. This forced Arteta to introduce Folarin Balogun into the starting lineup.
Though the Gunners began the game brightly, putting together some good passes, they were pegged back when the Bees scored through Sergi Canos. Bernd Leno should have done better but there was plenty of time for Arteta’s men to get back into the game.
However, despite their best efforts, the Emirates club were not able to break through the Brentford defence. Their misery was compounded when a long throw bounced over Leno and Christian Norgaard was on hand to head home. Though there was a suggestion that the keeper was fouled, Arsenal had only themselves to blame.
The fans were frustrated by the performance and with the manager in particular. Despite finishing in eighth place for two seasons in a row, not much seems to have changed. The supporters showed this frustration on Twitter and here are some of the best reactions:
Arteta is a con artist and would make an awesome window salesman. How he got the job with no experience and continues to sell players on the ‘the process’ is incredible.
— lachlan James (@Lachlan_jamess) August 14, 2021
Certain Arteta knows this now but this is just not about non negotiables, culture or juega del posicion anymore. This team has to look vaguely like it might score a goal when it attacks. Quickly. Anything less loses him his job.
— Tim Stillman (@Stillberto) August 13, 2021
The thing about Arteta’s soulless approach to football is that there’s no freedom, no improvisation. It’s like watching a machine that needs a tune up. It’s joyless. Without a result you’re left with absolutely nothing
— Rob Parritt (@rob_parritt) August 13, 2021
It’s over..I don’t trust you anymore #ArtetaOut pic.twitter.com/HYXRhi2dNy
— Karim Sa3d (@XKarimSa3d) August 13, 2021
2 pre seasons under his belt and we still don’t know how to attack under Arteta. We need to start looking for an actual football coach.
— Dezildez (@Dezildezzz) August 13, 2021
Arteta taking off Balogun and Martinelli was insane. How can you take off the two strikers when you need a goal? 18 months and his game management, squad management is still awfully questionable. I don’t see him lasting long unless there’s dramatic improvement
— Tony Soprano (@SVCarbaholic) August 13, 2021
What’s New, Arteta must Go.
— Jaba_T Ke Taba Yeo (@JabaT29002788) August 14, 2021
Arsenal Fever View
During the game, the Gunners were plagued by issues that had reared their head last season as well. There was not much creativity which made it easier for the opposition to sit back and deal with any crosses that came their way.
Even the few chances that the north Londoners created could not be converted and that gave Brentford the confidence to go for the win. They had a plan and executed it well which was certainly not the case with Arteta who appeared to be lost out there.
It does not get easier for Arteta or Arsenal as their next two league games are against Chelsea and Manchester City. There is a good chance that the team has zero points after the first three matches. Drastic changes are required if the Gunners are to get back to winning ways.
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