Arsenal’s once rock-solid defence is suddenly looking shaky, and it’s all down to one thing: the press has lost its bite.
Mikel Arteta’s men had been untouchable at the back, winning eight straight games without conceding before that chaotic 2-2 draw at Sunderland. But while the spotlight usually shines on Gabriel and Saliba, it’s what happens further up the pitch that’s now raising eyebrows.
Under Arteta, Arsenal made “defending from the front” their trademark. They hunted in packs, suffocating teams before they could even think about attacking. And at the heart of it all? Martin Ødegaard and Viktor Gyökeres, two relentless pressers who never stop running.
“Martin Ødegaard has been the cornerstone of Arsenal’s press since his arrival, and along with recent signing Viktor Gyökeres, he has led from the front admirably this term, at least until both were sidelined through injury.”
Since their injuries, though, the Gunners have looked a shadow of themselves. Without their pressing generals, the high energy that once terrified opponents has vanished.
Sunderland Expose the Weakness
It didn’t show much in the 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, but against Sunderland, the cracks were there for all to see.
“It was less noticeable in the 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, but it became evident in the 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze are technically gifted players capable of moments of individual brilliance, but they lack the pace and athleticism required to sustain Arsenal’s pressing intensity.”
Sunderland’s backline played through Arsenal’s press with ease, something unheard of just weeks ago.
“Without Ødegaard, Gyökeres, or even Kai Havertz in the side, the press often looked laboured, and Sunderland capitalised by playing out comfortably from the back on multiple occasions.”
Without that fierce front-line energy, Arsenal’s defensive dominance crumbled.
The message is clear: Arsenal’s machine only runs smoothly when Ødegaard and Gyökeres are powering it.
“This only further underlines the calibre of players Arsenal are currently missing, and how vital Ødegaard and Gyökeres are to the way Arteta’s side function both defensively and offensively.”
Arteta’s men are still title contenders, but this was a brutal reminder that even the best systems fall apart without their engines.
So, Gooners, did you notice how slow the press looked against Sunderland? Because the difference was impossible to miss.
