Arsenal’s horrific run of form of late continued with a 4-1 home defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter final this week.
Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte cancelled out Alexandre Lacazette’s effort for Arsenal, and helped Manchester City qualify to the semi finals in a competition that they have won thrice in the last three seasons.
Arsenal were collectively outplayed on the pitch, while their lack of intent at breaching City’s goal on the night was summed up very well by a particular Mohamed Elneny back pass.
Having won the ball back from an attempt diagonal from City’s left flank, Arsenal had the perfect opportunity to try to embark on a counter attack for an attempt at scoring against the run of play.
When the ball reached Elneny in midfield, the Egyptian had time, space and an array of mobile options in front of him to play the ball through as Arsenal forwards raced ahead of him to have a crack at City’s goal.
The City defence looked vulnerable and caught in transition, and it was one of Arsenal’s best chances to catch their opponents lacking on the night.
But it was simply not to be, as Elneny showed minimal intent and slowed down the counter attack with an extra touch, only to pass the ball back to the Arsenal back line: allowing City to regain shape.
The passage of play was heavily criticized by Arsenal fans, as it exemplifies everything that is wrong with the North London outfit at the moment: a lack of efficiency and intent that is holding back a very talented squad to say the least.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners side have secured a total of 14 points from 14 games in a woeful start to the season, and will be looking to get their first win in the league in a long time as they look to lock horns against Chelsea on Boxing Day.
