Arsenal’s recent rough patch spanning ten days concluded with a moment of joy. It’s remarkable how swiftly fortunes can change in football, isn’t it?
Following a disappointing draw with Brentford and a lackluster performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Gunners had a chance to rectify their course against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening.
However, facing Spurs no longer seemed like a walk in the park as it did just a week ago. Mikel Arteta’s team was struggling with confidence, while Igor Tudor had taken charge of Spurs after the sacking of Thomas Frank.
The match outcome, however, suggested otherwise. With Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres leading the charge, Arsenal demonstrated their dominance by defeating their rivals 4-1, re-establishing a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Arteta’s Tactical Adjustments Against Spurs
This week saw Arteta testing new strategies, though the effectiveness of these changes is debatable. Against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup, a pre-match injury to Riccardo Calafiori shifted Myles Lewis-Skelly to left-back, allowing Bukayo Saka to assert himself in midfield.
This decision initially appeared inspired, but following further struggles at Molineux, a change was necessary. For the match against Spurs, Saka returned to the right wing, Leandro Trossard resumed his position on the left, and Eze secured a rare starting spot in the Premier League.
Thriving Partnerships and Form Issues
The pairing of Eze and Gyokeres proved highly effective, with Eze playing a central role while Gyokeres made intelligent runs. Their chemistry was undeniable, yielding two goals from both players as they sparked a resurgence in Arsenal’s attacking game.
Gyokeres, who struggled initially, now boasts eight goals in his last 12 matches and has taken the lead as the top scorer in the Premier League for the calendar year. This transformation begs reconsideration of his earlier perceived struggles during his transition to Arsenal.
Implications for Arsenal’s Squad Dynamics
Gyokeres’ impressive form complicates matters for Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s third-highest earner, who has only managed two goals in 11 league appearances this season. Despite his notable past performances, Jesus’s current lack of impact raises concerns regarding his future at the club.
His recent performances off the bench further illustrate his struggle to regain form, especially following a decisive moment against Wolves where he missed a clear opportunity that contributed to Arsenal dropping vital points.
With Gyokeres hitting his stride and Kai Havertz showing promise, Jesus may face diminishing chances on the pitch. The transition suggests that he might not be with the Gunners for much longer if this trend continues.
