Arsenal is poised for a return to Premier League action this Saturday against London rivals Crystal Palace after a two-week break, aiming to break free from a three-game losing streak following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool in the third round.
During their break, the Gunners enjoyed some time in the Dubai sun, while Crystal Palace faced a defeat in their rematch against Everton on Wednesday night.
The winter period has exposed Arsenal’s attacking struggles, transitioning from topping the Premier League table on Christmas Day to teetering on the edge of dropping out of the top four. Mikel Arteta’s squad faced consequences for their lackluster performances, notably following successive defeats to West Ham United and Fulham.
In the FA Cup clash with Liverpool, Arsenal missed numerous opportunities to take the lead before Jakub Kiwior inadvertently headed the ball into their own net. Luis Diaz’s ruthless finish added to their troubles, prompting Arteta to acknowledge a potential mental block in finishing chances.
Despite fans’ pleas for a new number nine in January, such moves seem unlikely, placing the responsibility on Arteta and his team to lift fourth-placed Arsenal out of their offensive slump. The team, only ahead of Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference with a game in hand, faces the challenge of overcoming a poor run with just one win in seven matches across all tournaments.
Arsenal’s recent struggles include a 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion, where wasted chances nearly proved costly. Under Arteta’s leadership, the team is enduring its worst seven-game run, having lost their last two Premier League London derbies after an impressive unbeaten streak of 17 capital clashes.
