Arsenal's Defeat to PSV Brings to Light Arteta's Biggest Worry This Season

Arsenal's Defeat to PSV Brings to Light Arteta's Biggest Worry This Season

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:15 PM
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  • Arsenal succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of PSV Eindhoven on Thursday, October 27
  • The defeat underlined a quiet issue with the Gunners, who were lacklustre throughout the match
  • A close look at the Premier League leaders will reveal they lack a degree of squad depth that would aid them to compete in all competitions adequately this season

For the first time this season, Arsenal were made to look like an average team on Thursday, October 27.

This came at the hands of PSV Eindhoven, managed by former Manchester United cult hero Ruud Van Nisterlooy.

While the game did not have any disastrous implications on Arsenal’s season by any stretch, it raised some concerns in some hawk-eyed fans.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta during the UEFA Europa League group A match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at Phillips Stadium on October 27, 2022, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Photo by Visionhaus
Source: Getty Images

Fans were particularly quick to point out the fact that the Gunners looked toothless against the Dutch giants, and the score line could have been much worse had three of PSV’s goals not been ruled out by VAR

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Arteta was urged by Arsenal faithful to rest his superstars for the clash, but the gaffer went for one of his strongest starting XI, further showing his side is devoid of depth.

As reported on BBC, Arsenal, leaders in the Premier League, looked lethargic and their defence looked shaky, with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale largely at fault for PSV’s second goal.

What does Arsenal need to do?

With Manchester City gaining momentum in the league and multiple competitions to pay in, it is clear Mikel Arteta will need to reinforce his squad in January.

Credit has to go to Arteta for having perhaps his strongest start to a season ever, both as a player and manager, but the slight slip in the Europa League could have horrible repercussions on his side.

If they fail to beat Zurich next week, it means they will be on a collision course to facing the likes of Juventus or Barcelona in the knockout stages, teams Jose Mourinho dubbed ‘Champions League failures’ recently.

Since Arteta has exceeded expectations this season, it is highly likely he will be backed by Stan Kroenke in the winter to bolster his squad to make it more competitive in all competitions and avoid a case of burnout that has seen the big guns experience dramatic collapses in recent years.

Van Nistelrooy hailed for beating Arteta

Sports Brief also reported on Ruud Van Nistelrooy receiving plaudits online after his PSV team became only the second side to beat Arsenal so far this season.

Soon after the final whistle, fans, presumably those affiliated to Manchester United, flooded social media with compliments towards Van Nistelrooy.

Despite Arsenal not being at their best, Van Nistelrooy was full of praise for his team for coming out with all three points on Thursday.

Authors
Rene Otinga photo
Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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Mikel Arteta