Arsenal has too much talent, but lacks determination

Arsenal only had a 1-1 draw against Man City.

It was a fiery night at the Emirates, where Arsenal and Manchester City produced a match that was both dramatic and haunting. Not only because of Gabriel Martinelli's late equaliser, but also because of the way Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola - two masters of control - suddenly became caught up in a chaotic game where all strategic calculations were drowned out by the flow of emotions.

Arsenal entered the game with the midfield trio of Zubimendi - Rice - Merino, a cushion built to suffocate the opponent. However, this safety turned into shackles.

In the eighth minute, Man City broke that plan with a very simple situation. Erling Haaland passed to Tijjani Reijnders, then ran 60 meters like a whirlwind before finishing neatly into the far corner. A goal that was both cold and contemptuous, like a message: "We do it".

Mikel Arteta entered the game very cautiously.

Meanwhile, Arteta continued to suffer from a familiar disease: starting too cautiously. The first half saw Arsenal pass the ball heavily, lacking in innovation, clearly feeling the void left by Ødegaard.

Eberechi Eze - a player who can bring creativity - was forgotten on the bench, while Leandro Trossard was chosen to "keep safe". On the balance, refusing to use a rich explosive drill in favor of safety is like ignoring the opportunity to attack Man City's weak points.

The numbers show the stalemate: Arsenal had 54% possession in the first half but only had three shots, none of which were on target. Man City, on the other hand, had five shots, created two clear-cut chances and scored the opening goal. The numbers reveal the difference: one side chose to take the initiative, the other tied themselves down.

But football always has room for redemption. In the second half, Arsenal changed. Arteta used all his attacking weapons, and the game turned around.

The shot rate soared to 12 in the second half, with six clear-cut chances created. The climax came when Martinelli came on in the 80th minute. The diagonal run, the delicate touch and the lob over Donnarumma were all contained in a few beats, but enough to create a masterpiece. The ball hung like an autumn moon, calm in the storm, before the whole Emirates erupted.

Arsenal lacked the determination to beat Man City.

It is worth noting that no team under Pep has ever been so pressured to defend so miserably. Man City - accustomed to dominating - were forced to defend, sometimes like a ship tossing in a storm. Arsenal forced them into that position, and that is a testament to the strength of this team.

But the harsh reality remains: Arsenal only picked up one point, still five points behind Liverpool and missing out on a decisive blow in the title race. They only played their football when they were pushed into a corner. And that is what makes this draw taste so bitter.

Was Arteta wrong to start cautiously? He would probably say no, as patience paved the way for a late burst. But football is not measured by effort, but by results. Arsenal showed they had the guts to make life difficult for City, but they also exposed a disease: hesitation when it was time to take risks.

Martinelli’s goal may be remembered as a moment to remember, but for Arsenal, the lingering question is: when will they learn to play with the intensity they only find in despair?

2 goals in the Arsenal - Man City match On the night of September 21, Arsenal and Man City drew 1-1 in round 5 of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium.

Source: https://znews.vn/arsenal-thua-ban-linh-thieu-quyet-liet-post1587228.html