Arsenal’s season could be destroyed as new peril revealed
Arsenal got over the line at the death against Wolves on Saturday but it was a concerning performance at the Emirates Stadium.
Two own-goals saw Arsenal beat Wolves 2-1, with Yerson Mosquera heading into his own net to cancel out Tolu Arokodare‘s stoppage-time equaliser.
Bukayo Saka was key to both goals, first providing the corner that rebounded off the post and onto the back of Sam Johnstone before finding the head of the Wolves defender with a dangerous cross.
Viktor Gyokeres struggled to find chances against Wolves, with the returning Gabriel Jesus making the run that led to the late winner.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that Ben White has picked up a hamstring injury, with Arsenal set to face yet another defensive absence.
Arsenal face perilous six-game run
Arsenal have faced an incredibly difficult run of fixtures in recent weeks. Following November’s international break, the Gunners were immediately handed matches against Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Brentford.
Arteta‘s side would remain resolute, however, earning 10 points from a maximum 12 across four undeniably tough fixtures, but the run took its toll.
| Arsenal – Premier League fixtures | Date |
| Everton (A) | 20 Dec |
| Brighton (H) | 27 Dec |
| Aston Villa (H) | 30 Dec |
| Bournemouth (A) | 3 Jan |
| Liverpool (H) | 8 Jan |
| Nottingham Forest (A) | 17 Jan |
Arsenal lost 2-1 to Aston Villa immediately after, and Saturday’s narrow win over Wolves exhibited a side struggling to cope with absences and fixture congestion.
But the next six Premier League games may prove even more worrisome for Arteta. A Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace separates six fixtures in which Arsenal dropped points last season.
The good news for the Gunners is that a seven-day break will allow for some rest before the first of the six, against Everton next Saturday.
After that, though, the fixtures come thick and fast, and Arteta will have to pick his points of rotation strategically with defensive absences leaving a small group to choose from.
What were Arsenal’s results in the six fixtures last season?
Everton away is followed by Brighton and Villa at home, Bournemouth away, Liverpool at home and Nottingham Forest away.
Last season’s trip to Goodison Park ended 1-1 when Iliman Ndiaye scored a second-half penalty, with the home match against Brighton ending with the same result.
January’s draw with Villa felt like much more of a killer blow, with Arsenal giving up a two-goal lead in the second half.
A trip to the Vitality Stadium quickly became a nightmare day for the Gunners when William Saliba was sent off after just 30 minutes, with Bournemouth capitalising on the advantage to win 2-0.
Arteta’s side let another lead slip when they drew with eventual champions Liverpool in October, with Mohamed Salah‘s 81st-minute finish seeing the scores end level.
The 0-0 draw with Forest at the City Ground was a far more drab affair, but just as damaging for Arsenal’s remaining title hopes.
Should the Gunners emerge from the same fixtures unscathed this season, they will surely find themselves in a superb position.