Arsenal's title race in the Premier League seems to be on solid ground with an impressive 12-game unbeaten streak. However, their performance against Brentford, known as a "troublesome team," raises questions about whether this streak truly reflects their strength or masks underlying issues. Let's delve into the details of their recent match.
The match started with Arsenal fans experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions as they found themselves at the bottom of the hill just 13 minutes into the game. Brentford capitalized on their forte—quick counterattacks—and Mbuemo's goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Brentford's counterattack was executed brilliantly, leaving Arsenal with little room to breathe. For a mid-table team like Brentford, such a "fast, accurate, and fierce" tactic is crucial for survival. And it proved effective at home, where they had an impressive record of seven wins, one draw, and one loss before the match.
However, Arsenal is no pushover. In the 29th minute, Jesus' follow-up shot leveled the score. This goal highlighted his recent hot form—his sixth in four matches! His keen sense of timing and ability to be in the right place at the right time make him a striker who can "always find a way to shine."
In the second half, Arsenal found their rhythm. In the 50th minute, Merino's follow-up shot from a corner kick put them ahead. Just three minutes later, Martinelli calmly slotted the ball into the net to extend the lead to 3-1. This quick turnaround left Brentford reeling, as if they were "knocked down before they knew what hit them." The turning point of the match was here. Brentford lost the momentum they had in the first 20 minutes, while Arsenal firmly controlled the game.
The final score was 3-1, with Arsenal securing three points and extending their unbeaten run to 12 games. While this sounds impressive, some details during the match hinted at potential future concerns.
Brentford's performance was not poor. Especially in the first 20 minutes, they almost overwhelmed Arsenal's defense with speed and pressure. This is why Mbuemo could easily score—Arsenal's defense still struggled against fast counterattacks.
Brentford's problem lies in their lack of rhythm control after the initial phase. Their strategy clearly focused on quick counterattacks, but when Arsenal adjusted and adapted, Brentford seemed unable to cope. After Arsenal took the lead, Brentford appeared "flustered" and lacked composure. More importantly, their defense struggled against Arsenal's wing attacks, being repeatedly outmaneuvered by Martinelli and Nwaneri.
Despite the loss, Brentford's overall home performance is commendable. Remember, this team is known for being tough at home. Even with this defeat, their record of seven wins, one draw, and one loss at home this season remains impressive among mid-table Premier League teams. Perhaps their tactics need to be more varied, but the threat posed by this "disruptor" should not be underestimated.
While Arsenal won, they also have their share of problems. First, the stability of their defense has always been questionable. The match exposed an issue: when facing fast-paced attacks, the defensive organization was clearly lacking. If not for Jesus' timely equalizer that stabilized the situation, the outcome could have been different.
Second, Saka's absence dealt a hidden blow to Arsenal. Although Martinelli and Nwaneri shone on the flanks, Saka's explosiveness and passing skills are unique. Looking ahead, if key players are absent long-term, can Arsenal continue to compensate through "collective effort" as they did today? It remains to be seen.
Of course, Jesus' form is Arsenal's biggest positive news. His six recent goals demonstrate his value in critical moments. However, the question remains: does the team rely too much on his individual brilliance? After all, personal form fluctuates over a season, and when Jesus is not at his peak, who will fill the scoring void?
Currently, Arsenal sits second in the standings with nine wins and three draws, but their title race is not as smooth as it appears. Manchester City remains the top rival for all teams, with almost impeccable offensive and defensive statistics. Liverpool's recent form has also been scorching, even briefly closing in on Arsenal in the standings.
In contrast, Arsenal's problem is a "lack of resilience." While they have shown the ability to turn matches around, such as today's, maintaining this intensity over the long term is a significant challenge. Importantly, Arsenal will face strong opponents like Manchester City and Liverpool in upcoming fixtures. If their defensive issues persist against such opponents, their title dreams may be dashed.
Arsenal's comeback showcased remarkable resilience, but the title race is never decided by a single match. Will they be able to maintain their footing next time? We'll have to wait and see.