Arsenal suffered their 12th Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday night from reigning champions Liverpool, leading to even more questions about Mikel Arteta’s suitability for leadership at the Emirates Stadium.
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It’s a debate that takes its ugly head every time the North London club fails to score three points, and the often over-reactionary response is a result of the lack of perspective being applied; Jurgen Klopp’s side finished 43 points ahead of Arsenal last season, so it is difficult to see why the result has been such a shock for some.
While the host’s performances were disappointing, it is important to note that the Gunners were without four key players; David Luiz was ruled out with a knee problem, Granit Xhaka was missing due to illness and both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe were considered unfit to participate.
As what turned out to be a painful night for the Gunners’ followers, the club have confirmed that Luiz underwent minor surgery on his right knee and ‘will be available for election in the coming weeks’ – sounds ominous.
The fact that Arsenal are nowhere near as good as Liverpool or that they are still unable to perform consistently should come as no surprise – after all, they are the tenth best team in the division at the moment.
The absence of Luiz and the performance of Rob Holding – the man who was commissioned to replace him – served as a reminder that the 33-year-old, even in the twilight of his career, is Arsenal’s best center-back.
? An update on David Luiz?
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 4, 2021
Gabriel was also affected by the absence of his experienced compatriot – without his leadership, the defensive line sank far too deeply and struggled to get the ball exactly when he faced Liverpool’s aggressive pressure.
The former Chelsea defender has shared an opinion for several years, just like Xhaka. But after Saturday’s performance, even his harshest critics would have to admit that he was greatly missed. Now maybe people will understand why Arteta has put her faith in him so often since he took the job.
In his mature old age, Luiz does not represent Arsenal’s long-term future, but right now he is the best they have. Winning the Europa League still represents Arsenal’s best chance for European football next season, and their only chance to order. With a decisive conclusion against Slavia Prague, the news of his injury comes as a big blow.
? “First of all, I apologize to our supporters for the exhibition … For the club we represent, it is not acceptable.”
The boss reflects on #ARSLIV? pic.twitter.com/p4HsrdPoyP
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 3, 2021
Holding is likely to continue to replace but can he gather the defense as efficiently as Luiz at its best? Although he was technically up to the task, which he is not, the loss of the Brazilian Arsenal means without one of the few natural leaders that their group has.
The heavy defeat this weekend was not only due to the team being without him, but it emphasizes that Arteta can not trust that his “fringe” players will come in and maintain the standards he demands.
The Gunners were already facing a huge task to make this sluggish season a relative success, and to do it without the veteran defender will be all the more difficult.
