Arsenal players lack a winning mentality
There has been a long time since Arsenal won their last trophy. Instead, the fans have been hearing all the promises, which their manager has not been able to deliver. Although, the type of football being played is eye-catching and incredible, but this beauty
has not been transformed into victories. Rather, they always fall short of their target, despite of their potential of being one of the best in Europe.
From the last few seasons, there always remained deficiencies with Arsenal squad. Sometimes, important players left on critical occasions, leaving the team behind in doldrums. Then, there were defensive problems with the team, as Arsenal showed weaknesses
in defending set pieces. Fitness has always been an issue with Arsenal players, while their main players, like Robin Van Persie, have a tendency to remain unfit for long spells. In this season, all these fitness issues and problems with the goal-keeping have
kept Arsenal from winning important matches.
Those people who have seen Arsenal playing at Stamford Bridge would agree that the Gunners are not playing bad football. They have shown a lot of improvement from last years, especially in the attack department. However, they have not been able to perform
well defensively, which has created many sorts of problems for them. Even against Chelsea, Arsenal dominated for a major part, creating a lot of chances. However, those chances were not converted, which proved fatal in the end.
If Arsenal had taken a lead against Chelsea, it was very much possible that they could have won the match. Unlike the previous meetings between both these teams, Arsenal played a much better football between the two. Also, they played against Chelsea on
the same physical level; while previously, Chelsea had dominated Arsenal on physical grounds. On the basis of possession, Arsenal again dominated the midfield area, playing their particular style of game. In short, Arsenal was better of the two teams in that
match, but they still lost the match.
It was two defensive lapses that led Chelsea to score two goals, which ultimately decided the winner of that match. Arsenal’s defenders made serious mistakes, giving Chelsea the lead, which the later was very pleased to defend for the remaining part of the
fixture. Therefore, there seems to some other problem with Arsenal, which is keeping them away from trophies, for such a long time.
This problem is actually the lack of winning mentality in Arsenal players. Although, Arsene Wenger shows a lot of trust in his young guns, however, the players have let their manager down. Even, Wenger’s playing style has been getting no criticism because
of the fact that it is working in Arsenal’s favour. The team is finding a lot of goals and winning a lot of matches, rather comfortably.
Sometimes, good play and possession does not mean that a team would win a match. If this was the case then big teams would not ever lose any of their fixtures. On the other hand, sometimes weaker teams have enough determination to overpower any kind of opposition.
This was the same thing that went missing in Arsenal players, in their match against Chelsea. They did dominate in other sectors of the game but when it came to goal scoring and defending under pressure, the determination and will was just not there.
In almost eighteen previous matches against Chelsea, Arsenal has dominated only twice. This speaks a lot about the determination of Arsenal players, because Chelsea cannot be beaten purely by good game, rather the game should be backed by pure energy and
enthusiasm.
Arsene Wenger works hard with his players, which makes him a great manager. But, rather than improving their skills, it is now time that Wenger should focus on building the mental strength of his players. With true spirit, combined with a perfect style,
Arsenal can regain their dominance. Otherwise, the dream of winning trophies would remain out of bounds for the mighty squad.
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