Are the wheels falling off for Mikel Arteta?

Arsenal have had a less than perfect start to the season, sitting nine points adrift from league leaders, a position that has very rarely resulted in a Premier League title. Arsenal came into this season with title aspirations, but now seem to be left hunting for top four.

Artetas side took Manchester City to the final days of the campaign last season, but while the Citizens have held on to their success, mind you they are also five points behind league leading Liverpool, Arsenal sit far further behind.

A 2-2 draw at the Etihad between Arsenal and City seemed to signify Arsenals real intent to go forth and win the league, making them favourites at the time. They conceded in the last seconds of the game, 90+8 minutes, to a John Stones scrappy goal. Arsenals 10 men had held on for nearly long enough to make the red card not matter.

But now, the landscape for the Arsenal couldn’t be more different. Only goal difference now separates Arsenal from Brighton and Nottingham Forest, with the latter looking to take Arsenals spot as their next fixture is against them.

Arsenal sit in 7th in goals scored, but 11th in xGs. Arsenals lack of creativity this season has been woeful and they have often been reliant on individual talent to win them games. Bukayo Saka has been called upon numerous times to salvage a result for the team.

David Ray has had a sudden rise in stock after last seasons round of 16 penalty shootout against Porto. This has continued into this season. Raya has been called on a number of times but is 4th in least goals conceded, whilst out performing his xGA.

Arsenal have seen red twice so far this season, both times resulting in draws to Manchester City and Brighton, and a further time resulting in a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.

So, what’s been the issues?

First - Discipline. Arsenals three red cards have unquestionably cost them, not just for those games, where they dropped 7 points, but the three games after that now required tactical rethinks from Arteta.

Secondly - Injuries. Martin Odegaards absence has absolutely impacted Arsenals offensive output. Arsenal are 10th in expected assists and have outperformed this stat massively so far this season, a feat that seems unlikely to continue for an entire season.

Thirdly - Recruitment. Arsenals transfer business this summer has not been as effective as usual. Letting Veira leave on loan seems ill sighted now, as Odegaards injury reflects how shallow Arsenals depth really was. Further, the addition of Raheem Sterling seems to be pointless, having played very limited minutes and contributing even less to the team.

Arsenals season is far from other, and they remain in all competitions, but need to fix their season if they are to have any success, as achieving just top four should not deem this season a success by any means.