The undefeated run comes to an end
It was inevitable that Arsenal would eventually lose a game. However, to lose in such a fashion as the 2-0 defeat in Eindhoven is a true disappointment and sends worrying signs to Mikel Arteta that the euphoria of the season’s start might be fading.
This is four Arsenal performances in quick succession which have been truly underwhelming. The warning signs from Leeds United were there and the Southampton game did little to stem those concerns.
The PSV home match felt like the away side didn’t turn up, but they certainly did last night and Arsenal were not ready for it. Mikel Arteta needs a response against Nottingham Forest this Sunday otherwise further doubt will creep into the team.
READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs PSV: Gabriel Martinelli nightmare as Eddie Nketiah wastes chance
Needless pressure on the final game
All Arsenal needed to do was avoid defeat and what many may not realise is just how bad a night it was away from Eindhoven. Whilst the Gunners were being battered by PSV, FC Zurich picked up an unlikely win giving them a chance to qualify for the UEFA Conference League should they beat Arsenal in north London.
PSV were guaranteed progression alongside Arsenal due to that result but also have a Bodo/Glimt side in Norway with their own motivations to progress into the tertiary European competition. In short, a match which could have potentially been used to give some youth stars senior experience now becomes a game with far more riding on it.
The biggest winners of the night are Chelsea. Arsenal now miss out on the luxury of a stress-free week to rest and rotate before travelling to Stamford Bridge.
Fabio on the right
One of the characteristics of Fabio Vieira that was talked about when he signed for Arsenal was the benefit of his versatility. An attacking midfielder who can play in a wider role and even deeper in the midfield.
However, despite there being little doubt that he can indeed play in other roles, stylistically it was clear tonight how much the Gunners suffered without a more natural winger like Bukayo Saka on the right. In particular, was the impact on Martin Odegaard who didn’t have the bursting runs of Saka to find or the dummy movements to open up space for him.
Instead, he had what was a slightly less impressive version of himself playing on the right. Both wanted to cut in to find passes when Vieira should have been looking to receive the ball more in dangerous areas.
Odegaard was brought off rightly with him being needed for Sunday. When Saka came on, Vieira struggled then to replicate what his captain was contributing in the first half in another worrying display; he still needs time, which is not exactly surprising.
Eddie Nketiah is a worry
These are the games that Eddie Nketiah has to shine. There cannot be any sympathy regarding a lack of consistent starts considering that he has started every Europa League game which accounts for one game a week.
After scoring in the opening two matches against FC Zurich and at home to Bodo/Glimt, his goals and performances have dried up. His touch looks off, his shooting lacks composure and he is struggling to find himself in the positions to be served.
Often an easy get-out clause is that a striker lacks service. Whilst to some degree this may still be fair, ultimately Arsenal have cried out for a striker like Gabriel Jesus who not only feeds off others but creates for himself; a characteristic that Nketiah unfortunately lacks.
Gakpo audition
What was the only treat, if you can call it that, was seeing Cody Gakpo at his best. He told football.london after the 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium that he was "frustrated" with his performance and when compared to tonight it is easy to see why.
The service to him was far better and when on the ball he was a nightmare for the Gunners defence. It was also his delivery that beat Aaron Ramsdale for Luuk de Jong to head home, adding yet another goal contribution to his monstrous haul at the beginning of the season.
The irony is that the Arsenal frontline looks weak. Gabriel Martinelli, Saka and Jesus are a strong trio but looking beyond them and besides a currently injured Emile Smith Rowe, the options aren’t close to the level required.
Mikel Arteta called for more firepower in the summer, but no signings came before transfer deadline day. The January window could be a pivotal moment of the season for Arsenal and they need to make sure they don’t miss out on it.
Arsenal want to sign quality and nothing less. Gakpo is certainly that but could be out of the club’s price range this winter. Alternatively, they might find what they want somewhere else but it does need to be found and it needs to be added to the squad as soon as possible.
Has the rotation worked?
Ultimately despite four wins from five, the games have hardly been inspiring. When the starting XI is not at its strongest Arsenal look a shadow of the team that began the season so strongly.
Next season there is a high chance that Arsenal could have Champions League football and midweek clashes will require far more first-team quality and consistency in the line-ups. Had it been this season with this available squad, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see what has happened to both Barcelona and Juventus in their respective groups.
Players like Albert Sambi Lokonga, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira have been unable to maintain the standard set by the Premier League starters. Whilst Lokonga and Nketiah may be frustrated internally, or publicly in the Belgian’s case, with a lack of minutes, when they’re not grabbed with both arms vociferously, these games are quickly forgotten with no imprint made to turn the tide on their situations.
The starting XI will be back for the game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. An expectant crowd will want to see a response, a dominant performance and ultimately all three points secured.
Failure to do so and the doubts and concerns raised by a small few might suddenly start to sound all that much louder. No pressure then.
READ NEXT:
Every Arsenal Europa League permutation with chance to benefit from major UEFA rule change
Mikel Arteta transfer decision justified as ex-Arsenal man suffers Sadio Mane embarrassment
What happened between Gabriel and Jordan Henderson during Arsenal vs Liverpool explained
Why PSV were handed UEFA ticket ban and fine ahead of Arsenal Europa League clash
Robin van Persie tells Mikel Arteta why Arsenal should sign PSV's Cody Gakpo amid transfer links
