3 main reasons for Arsenal’s Premier League slide – World Soccer Talk

As Arsenal have racked up just 13 Premier League points in their first 11 matches, the Gunners look like a shell of the team that beat Manchester City and Chelsea on the way to their record 14th FA Cup. While the team is obviously sputtering, there is more than one reason for their place in the table. Let’s take a look at three specific causes for Arsenal’s current struggles.

1. Lack of Creativity

Most, if not all, Arsenal fans will undoubtedly agree that the Gunners are not creating enough chances to score goals. Arsenal have made just 71 total key passes through their first 11 Premier League matches of the season, currently tied for 17th along with Leicester City. It gets worse though. When taking out corners, free kicks, throw-ins, through balls, and crosses, Arsenal actually have the fewest key passes in England’s top flight (39). This would basically include regular passes in open play.

Arsenal’s total amount of goals in the league are obviously suffering from this lack of creativity. The club’s 10 goals in the Prem are only better than the three teams currently in the relegation zone: Burnley, West Brom, and Sheffield United. While the Gunners are usually known for their slick passing and impressive goal-scoring record, things will have to turn around quickly if they are to make it back to a place in a European competition.

2. Aubameyang’s Goal Drought

Partially due to the team’s lack of service, star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has managed just two Premier League goals so far (one being a penalty). Despite the fact that partner Alexandre Lacazette receives much more criticism, the French striker has more goals in far fewer minutes on the pitch compared to the Gabon international. The team’s overall anemic offense is certainly a chunk of the reason for Aubameyang’s lack of goals. However, there is more to the story than just key passes.

Aubameyang is actually averaging more targets by his teammates per 90 minutes compared to his prolific 2019/20 campaign, yet his total touches are slightly down. This essentially means that his fellow teammates are trying to get him the ball, but the outcome just isn’t as effective as usual. However, the Gabonese striker is averaging just 0.8 fewer touches in the opposing penalty area per 90 minutes compared to last season. Is this number really that much of a difference to fully blame for Aubameyang’s drastic drop in goals? Not exactly.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Arsenal games on US TV and streaming

Arsenal’s star striker hasn’t looked like his normal prolific self for most of the current season. Lethargic and stagnate, Aubameyang isn’t making his usual killer runs into dangerous areas on the pitch. Surely the lack of creativity by his teammates hinder his chances, but Aubameyang isn’t exactly doing himself any favors at the moment.

3. Arteta’s Stubbornness

The Arsenal manager has frustrated many fans by snubbing playmaker Mesut Ozil. The midfielder has yet to…