ART-BRAKING

Is Mikel's desire for midfield control against title rivals stifling Arsenal's attacking intent?

- BY JOHN CROSS Chief Football Writer @johncrossmirror

MIKEL ARTETA signed turbocharged forwards this summer - but he keeps leaving the handbrake on.

Arsenal blew a big chance to beat Manchester City on Sunday, And even after salvaging a draw, there should be frustration over Arteta’s tactics.

Two dropped points could cost them the title, It begs the question: is Arteta scared to lose? Managers who go safety first can end up being frightened of actually winning.

Arteta has done a fabulous job at Arsenal since taking over in December 2019. He has transformed the club. But this season is about winning a major trophy. And you will not do it with a midfield trio of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.

All terrific players, but not the right chemistry to go all out to win.

They tried it at Liverpool and came away from Anfield with nothing other than Arteta insisting they had better stats. You do not win titles by losing games to your main rivals.