Mikel Arteta has suggested that Arsenal’s recent struggles in scoring goals may have evolved into a “psychological” issue, especially after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup, leading to their exit from the competition. This setback follows a lackluster performance against West Ham, extending Arsenal’s winless streak to four games. Despite ongoing speculation about the potential acquisition of Brentford striker Ivan Toney, Arteta hinted that resolving scoring problems through the transfer market might not be a straightforward solution.
Emphasizing the necessity for his players to “reset,” Arteta expressed optimism that a 13-day gap between fixtures would offer the squad an opportunity to regroup. He acknowledged the psychological impact of the recent goal-scoring difficulties, particularly after subpar performances against Fulham and West Ham, labeling the upcoming break as timely.
Reflecting on the Liverpool match, Arteta pointed out that Arsenal created numerous chances but failed to capitalize, despite outperforming the in-form opponents. He highlighted the challenge of defeating top teams when scoring opportunities go unused. In the absence of the injured Gabriel Jesus, Arteta deployed Kai Havertz as the central figure in the front three, but the German, along with Reiss Nelson and Martin Odegaard, couldn’t convert promising opportunities.
Despite ongoing speculation about Ivan Toney, Arteta indicated that a move for a striker is not imminent, emphasizing his commitment to improving the existing squad. While praising the players’ effort, attitude, courage, and aggression, Arteta stressed the need to change momentum, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to overcome challenges. As Arsenal faces this tough period, Arteta underscored the importance of unity, trust in the process, and maintaining belief in the team’s capacity
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