It’s crazy that Arsenal lost the match because up until this evening, we were still singing their praises and talking about how Arsenal defeated Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium during the weekend. You would think they would build on that momentum and get a win tonight against Newcastle but no, Arsenal is bound to disappoint you. Eddie Howe seems to have Mikel Arteta playbook in his hands because Arsenal have not been able to beat them.
Arsenal have more problems in this season than two latest seasons, they have less contributions from Saka when he now is more sensitive with injuries, and less goals from Odegaard. Their issue at a striker position still exists and generally in this season their performances are less consistent than two previous seasons.
The big win against Manchester City firstly help Arsenal to expand point difference against this competitor and secure their second position more, secondly help Arsenal to be more confident that they are strong or stronger than two past seasons, and like they are ready to chase Liverpool. Anyway it does not cover their weakness in attacking system generally and at the striker position in particicular.
Arteta can't manage the team, he must make the squad play without burdened first, he is only concerned with strategy, and forget about pshykology. And, On the other side, Newcastle played freely, the squad is looks excited to humiliate them. This becomes a great achievement for Newcastle because they going to the finals Carabao Cups, an accomplishment they have been waiting for for a long time.
Arteta said that he is very unhappy because Arsenal did not have players in the winter transfer season. When Champions League, Premier League will continue with more important and decisive months, Arteta has reasons to feel that with unfixed problems in attacking system especially at a striker position, Arsenal will have big disadvantage and might fail to win Premier League title in this season, and it will be a third failed season for them.