'Masters of their own downfall' - is Arsenal form just a blip?

Masters of Their Own Downfall? Is Arsenal's Slump Just a Blip?

The air at Meadow Park, usually buzzing with the infectious optimism that has defined Arsenal Women's recent seasons, felt distinctly heavy on Thursday night. Another defeat, this time a 2-1 reverse against Lyon in the Women's Champions League, has stretched their winless run to four games across all competitions. This isn't the kind of form that inspires confidence, and it's left many asking: Is this just a temporary wobble, or are Arsenal shooting themselves in the foot?

The stark reality is that Jonas Eidevall's side, once lauded for their relentless attacking prowess and steely determination, are now grappling with a worrying trend. The goals, which flowed so freely for much of the early part of the season, have dried up, and defensive lapses have become a frustratingly familiar sight. The Lyon defeat, while perhaps not a complete surprise given the French giants' pedigree, highlighted these vulnerabilities in painful detail. Two goals conceded from set-pieces, a recurring theme in recent weeks, proved their undoing, despite a spirited second-half performance.

This slump has, understandably, sparked debate. Is this a minor blip, an inevitable dip in form for any team, or are deeper issues at play? The BBC Sport report following the Lyon game pointed to the defensive frailties, noting that Arsenal have conceded at least one goal in each of their last nine matches. That's not a stat that screams "champions."

The Unraveling Threads of Form

It’s easy to point fingers, but the truth is likely more nuanced. Arsenal have been plagued by injuries, a familiar foe for many top clubs. Key players like Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema have been absent, and while the squad depth is commendable, their absence undoubtedly leaves a void. However, even with these setbacks, the recent performances have lacked the usual spark, the cutting edge that has characterized Arsenal’s play under Eidevall.

Consider the Manchester United game last weekend in the Women's Super League. A 3-0 defeat, a scoreline that feels almost unthinkable for an Arsenal side that has consistently been among the league's top performers. The goals conceded were, again, preventable. Against Lyon, the story repeated itself, albeit against a more formidable opponent. It begs the question: are Arsenal becoming masters of their own downfall, gifting opponents opportunities through uncharacteristic errors?

Eidevall himself acknowledged the defensive issues in his post-match press conference. "We have to be better at defending set-pieces," he stated, a sentiment that has become almost a mantra in recent weeks. The frustration is palpable, not just for the manager, but for the players and the loyal fanbase who have become accustomed to seeing their team dominate. But is acknowledging the problem enough? The real test lies in the ability to implement solutions.

What's Gone Wrong? The Tactical Puzzle

One of the hallmarks of Arsenal's success has been their tactical flexibility and attacking fluidity. However, in recent games, there has been a sense of predictability, a lack of that incisive passing and movement that has previously unlocked stubborn defenses. Are teams now figuring out how to nullify Arsenal's threat? Or has the pressure of expectation, particularly in the Champions League, begun to weigh heavily on the players?

The absence of Miedema, a player who can single-handedly change the course of a game, is a significant factor. Her ability to create and finish chances is unparalleled. But even with her out, there should be other players stepping up. The attacking unit, which boasts considerable talent, hasn't been firing on all cylinders. Are they missing that creative spark, that killer instinct?

The Champions League campaign, in particular, has been a stark reminder of the level required to compete at the very top. While the domestic league is fiercely competitive, Europe presents a different challenge. The defeats against Juventus and now Lyon, coupled with the draw against FC Zurich, paint a concerning picture. This isn't the statement of intent that Arsenal would have wanted to make on the continental stage.

Looking for Answers: The Road Ahead

So, is this just a blip? It's certainly possible. Arsenal have a history of bouncing back from adversity. The question is, how quickly can they do it? The WSL title race is already heating up, and any further slip-ups could prove costly. Their next league game against Tottenham Hotspur will be a crucial test of their mettle. Can they rediscover their winning ways against their fierce rivals?

The focus for Eidevall and his coaching staff must be on shoring up the defense and re-igniting the attacking spark. Set-piece defending needs immediate attention. Are they working on specific drills? Are the players fully focused and disciplined in these moments? These are the questions that will be occupying many minds.

Furthermore, can the existing squad provide the necessary impetus? Players like Stina Blackstenius need to find their scoring boots, and the midfield needs to provide a more consistent supply of chances. The responsibility doesn't solely lie with the forwards; it's a collective effort. The team needs to rediscover that winning mentality, that belief that they can overcome any opponent.

The narrative surrounding Arsenal Women has always been one of ambition and progress. They’ve built a strong foundation, and the talent is undoubtedly there. However, the recent form is a cause for concern. Whether this is a temporary dip or a more significant challenge will be revealed in the coming weeks. For now, Arsenal appear to be their own worst enemy, and the clock is ticking for them to find the solutions before their promising season unravels completely.