Technical Insights Behind Arsenal’s Struggles in the 2021 Premier League Season

Arsenal did not get relegated in the 2021 Premier League season, managing a respectable 8th place finish. This performance, however, fell short of the team's usual standards and highlighted several technical and tactical issues that contributed to their struggles. Understanding these insights is crucial for any football analyst or enthusiast, and can serve as valuable lessons for club management in future planning.

The Struggle for Survival

Although Arsenal avoided the fate of relegation, their 8th place finish fell well below their expectations and historic performance. In the context of top-flight football, this was a subpar result that warranted a thorough analysis. This article delves into the technical and tactical challenges that plagued the team during the 2021 season.

Defensive Issues

Inconsistent Backline

Arsenal faced significant defensive challenges due to the inconsistent performances of their backline. This consisted of:
" "A rotating cast of defenders due to injury and form issues, leading to a lack of cohesion.
" "Deficiencies in the assurances for set pieces, conceding several goals from corners and free-kicks, despite setting up defensively coherent strategies.
" "These defensive shortcomings were symptomatic of a lack of trust in their defensive framework, which is essential for maintaining a strong defense.

Set-Piece Vulnerability

The team struggled particularly with set-piece scenarios, highlighting a critical area where improvements were needed. Arsenal conceded multiple goals from corners and free-kicks, indicating a gap in their defensive strategies and execution. This vulnerability stemmed from a lack of preparation and strategic planning specific to these situations, which require unique attention and practice.

Midfield Dynamics

Lack of Creativity

Arsenal’s midfield often lacked the creativity and ability to transition the ball efficiently from defense to attack, limiting their scoring opportunities. This issue was further compounded by the inconsistent performances of key players like Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. Their form dips had a ripple effect on the team’s overall balance, reducing their attacking prowess and making them more predictable in their play.

Inconsistent Performances

The midfield’s inconsistency directly impacted the team's overall performance. While individual players had moments of brilliance, the team rarely maintained a cohesive and effective unit. This variability in performance hindered Arsenal's ability to sustain pressure on opponents and create meaningful chances, ultimately leading to a suboptimal season.

Attacking Struggles

Goal-Scoring Issues

Arsenal encountered significant challenges in converting chances into goals. This was a critical period of underperformance for their attack, especially with players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang experiencing form dips. The inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities underscored the need for better teamwork and tactical execution in the attacking third.

Injuries

Injuries to key attacking players, such as Aubameyang and Dani Ceballos, exacerbated the team’s struggles. These absences made it difficult for Arsenal to maintain a consistent attacking threat, as they often lacked the firepower to break down defensive lines effectively. This not only hindered their scoring potential but also compromised their ability to press and counter-attack efficiently.

Tactical Approach

Managerial Decisions

The tactical decisions made by Mikel Arteta were sometimes overly cautious, leading to a lack of offensive fluidity and creativity. This often led to Arsenal playing in a narrow, defensive shape, which stifled the team's attacking opportunities. The manager’s approach, while defensive at times, was crucial in managing expectations and preserving vital points, but at times it hampered the team’s ability to exploit offensive moments.

Formation Changes

Frequent changes in formation disrupted the team's rhythm and understanding on the pitch. This inconsistency in tactical setups made it challenging for the team to establish a coherent and effective game plan. The lack of continuity in formations led to a sense of chaos and unpredictability, which affected both the team’s performance and its ability to execute tactics effectively.

Mental and Emotional Factors

Pressure and Expectations

The weight of expectations and pressure from fans may have affected player confidence, leading to inconsistent performances. The high standards and past successes created a psychological burden on the team, which sometimes manifested in subpar play. This mental fatigue and pressure needed to be managed effectively to ensure a more consistent and confident display on the pitch.

Lack of Leadership

The team often struggled with on-field leadership, especially in critical moments during matches. Effective leadership is crucial for maintaining discipline and composure, particularly when the team faces adversity. The absence of strong leadership during key moments could have contributed to the defensive and attacking lapses observed throughout the season.

Conclusion

While Arsenal did not face relegation, the technical and tactical factors highlighted in this analysis contributed to a disappointing season relative to their historical performance. Moving forward, the club must address these issues through player acquisitions, tactical adjustments, and psychological preparation. By doing so, Arsenal can return to its competitive best and continue to challenge for top honors in the Premier League.