3 Burning Issues Ahead Of Arsenal's Season Run-in
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Arsenal went into March's international break on the back of a 1-0 win over London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a first-half header from Mikel Merino.
The Gunners deserved their victory and Liverpool being in the Carabao Cup final action against Newcastle United helped trim the gap to 12 points after 29 games played. It was their first league win after three games, highlighting the Mikel Arteta-managed side's inability to churn out results amid attacking issues which have almost certainly left their title hopes in ruin.
With no distractions of European football or domestic cup competition, Liverpool have their goal set in stone. Arsenal fans may have embraced disappointment once again but they will want the players to fight until the last. Keeping that in mind, here are the three things to look forward to in their season run-in after the international break.
#Will Mikel Arteta use Raheem Sterling more?
Arsenal dropping points in three crucial Premier League games before the Chelsea encounter was a further demonstration of their attacking issues which have almost certainly ruined their title hopes.
Gabriel Martinelli has recently returned from injury, and while he has given Arteta an option in attack, he is yet to get up to full speed. Leandro Trossard has been the leader of the attack during the injury crisis, delivering the goods consistently. Yet, he can be infuriating to watch at times, while Mikel Merino as a false 9 is not a long-term solution to Arsenal's striker woes.
Not everyone has been impressed with Raheem Sterling since his arrival on loan from Chelsea last summer but, given the lack of goalscorers in the squad owing to season-ending injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, the Englishman does at least deserve a run of games to show what he can do.
#How Bukayo Saka performs after recovering from injury?
Bukayo Saka's absence has been keenly felt by Arteta and Arsenal. He suffered a hamstring injury in December and underwent surgery to fix his issue. The England international has been sidelined since, and the fans are now desperate for their star man to return.
The absence of Saka has contributed to Arsenal fumbling their Premier League title challenge, falling 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool. Before his injury, the winger was in great form as he had netted nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.
Arteta provided a positive injury update on the Hale End graduate. He recently returned to light training as the attacker's comeback appears to be right around the corner. With the home game against Fulham earmarked for his return, all eyes will be on Saka and whether he hits the ground running after missing over three months of action.
#Can they keep the Emirates a fortress?
Arsenal have lost just once in the Premier League at home this season—a 1-0 defeat to West Ham in February. Otherwise, the Emirates Stadium has been a nightmare for the visiting sides. Maintaining their authority at home is extremely crucial.
Converting winnable home fixtures into three points will be critical, particularly against Fulham, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in the next two months. While their title challenge is as good as done and dusted, Arteta's side must win the rest of their home games at least to keep the Emirates a fortress.
The post 3 Burning Issues Ahead Of Arsenal’s Season Run-in appeared first on Mad About EPL.
