“Merit-wise, there is no question that we deserve to win the games, but the results are very different," Mikel Arteta said after Arsenal's 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. "But when my team plays with that courage and attitude against probably the best team in Europe right now in terms of momentum, what can I do but stick by them and support them?”
The Gunners have now lost three successive games, after also being humbled by West Ham and Fulham in the Premier League, and another clear route to silverware has been closed off. And no matter what Arteta might believe, Liverpool are deservedly in the hat for the FA Cup fourth round.
A grand total of 16 chances went begging for Arsenal in the heavyweight tie, with Kai Havertz spurning the best of them during a one-sided first half. Inevitably, Liverpool gradually upped their game in the second period, and showed the clinical edge their opponents were lacking by scoring two late goals.
Pressed on whether his squad are developing a psychological issue in front of goal, Arteta added: "Probably it has. That’s why I think we need to reset." The Spaniard isn't running away from Arsenal's main problem, but he does seem oblivious to the fact it is a result of his poor choices in the transfer market.
Arteta was given license to spend over £200 million ($254m) in the summer, but the players he brought in haven't made Arsenal any better. In actual fact, the Gunners are now clearly going backwards under Arteta, who should count himself lucky that he's not under more pressure.
Arsenal's season is in danger of going down the drain, and the blame has to fall on the manager. For all the progress made in terms of playing style during Arteta's tenure, they are no closer to any tangible rewards, and it's unlikely that the January transfer window will provide a timely boost.