Arsenal’s Premier League title chase took a major hit over the weekend.
The Gunners suffered a shocking 1-0 home loss to Graham Potter’s Westham United on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s men failed to put Liverpool under pressure before the trip to the Etihad on Sunday with the loss.
Consequently, Liverpool took advantage of Arsenal’s slip-up with a 2-0 win over Manchester City to go 11 points clear on the log.
Arsenal’s misfortunes this season can be tied to the inconsistent performances of certain players, and the unavailability of arguably the most important player in the squad and the best player in the league.
This post examines the three players that presumably cost Arsenal the Premier League this season.
1. Kai Havertz
Mikel Arteta’s makeshift striker until his recent injury, has been quite decent with nine goals and three assists this season.
However, the German forward is quite unreliable in front of goal, with a good of missed big chances this season.
Kai Havertz ranks third for most chances missed in the Premier League this season behind Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, 22, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, 18.
Kai Havertz’s goal per match this season is pegged at 0.43 and a 40% shooting accuracy.
2. Bukayo Saka
The English international unarguably was Arsenal’s best player before he got injured in December.
Saka had 5 goals and 10 assists in the league before his injury. His absence appears to have reduced Arsenal’s creative outlet from the right flank and attacking prowess of the team.
Bukayo Saka’s offerings would have made a difference despite injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus.
3. Mohammed Salah
The “Egyptian King” is the major reason why Arsenal is very likely to miss out on the Premier League title this season.
Mohammed Salah is having a blast this season with 25 goals and 15 assists so far – the most in the league.
Salah scored in the first leg as Liverpool held the Gunners to a two-all draw at the Emirates in October.
Mohammed Salah’s consistency is the reason why Liverpool are 11 points ahead of Arsenal as league leaders of the Premier League.
