Real Madrid are gradually putting themselves in a tight corner, and it will be a difficult season for them if their results keeps going this way. I was thinking that after their draw with Marllorca, it was expected that real Madrid will run a winning streak, but unfortunately they fell again and settle for a draw twice now in the league. I think the absence of Jude Bellingham is currently affecting the team. He is one of their top performing players. But Carlos Ancelloti as an experienced manager should know how to turn the situation around, and get the results going their way. As for Mbappe, I think he is still settling in the team and league, I won't blame him if his performance ain't really going as expected. Some players are like that, it take them time to settle in a new environment.
Real Madrid's second match win in La Liga looked like they would be back on a winning streak. But the hosts are stifling the big teams at home in La Liga, with Real Madrid's performances in the first and third matches telling. It is natural that Bellingham will have an impact without an important player in the team, but the new players will also need time to adapt to the environment and continue in the matches. Real Madrid conceded an early goal and were desperate to repay, with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior equalizing from the penalty after 68 minutes. The league has just started, but I think Real will recover very quickly.
I don't think Real Madrid will be recovering very quickly. The result in the last game has proven that they could do nothing without good midfielders. Missing Bellingham and Kroos gave a detrimental impact on their performance. Their current midfielders are being so clueless in the game against a low block. This happens when your team is only relying upon a few good players in your club.
Also, Madrid is not having someone who has good passing distribution. They had Kross to did this job last season, but they don't have anyone who can do the same as what Kroos did.
That's probably why Arda has to start. No one else has the required passing against these low block teams other than him.