Same old Arsenal. Entering today's Premier League game between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Etihad, few expected the visitors to come away with anything. The Gunners had not won a Premier League away game against another top six side since January 2015, and City were out to prove a point after their defeat against Newcastle.
The hosts would take the lead inside a minute, when some loose play from Arsenal at the back allowed Sergio Aguero to head in the opener. While they would equalise through Laurent Koscienly, two further goals from Aguero would see Arsenal fall to a convincing defeat.
It was a poor performance from Arsenal, especially defensively. That has become a familiar theme with this squad, and something needs to be done to address the situation. Jamie Carragher believes that the first step is to clear out some players who have proven time and time again that they are not up to the task.
"Lichtsteiner is not good enough now and Mustafi has never been good enough"@AlexScott and @Carra23 look at the same old problems for Arsenal.
More: https://t.co/2Oxo2T9EdB pic.twitter.com/dMHotA6RWO— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 3, 2019
Lichtsteiner is not good enough. Maybe you could argue it’s because of his age and the fella next to him, Mustafi, has never been good enough since the day he walked through the door.
And that’s the reasons why all the goals come down there (the right-hand side).
To see Arsenal defend like that really is… there’s a big job there for Unai Emery to do.
It certainly seems that some major personnel upgrades are required, although it is unclear how much money Unai Emery will be given to rectify the problem. The club were unwilling to sign any players on permanent deals in the January transfer window, with the loan signing of Denis Suarez the only move made.
Solidifying the defence would be a bit step forward for Arsenal as they seek to return to Champions League football. One need only look at the impact Virgil van Dijk has made at Liverpool to see the effects such a move can have, and Emery will no doubt be looking to make a similar signing in the summer.
