'Drop-off': Four Arsenal players singled out for lowering their standards this season
"Drop-off." ????
After two successive seasons where they have competed for the Premier League title, all eyes are on Arsenal to see whether they can get over the line this time around.
In some ways, one could argue that Mikel Arteta should be considered the favourite out of all the managers in the league to win the title.
Pep Guardiola admitted he’s not “good enough” due to Manchester City’s ongoing crisis while Arne Slot and Enzo Maresca are both in their debut seasons as Premier League managers.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 15 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 31 | 13 | 18 | 36 |
| 2 |  ChelseaChelsea | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 37 | 19 | 18 | 34 |
| 3 |  ArsenalArsenal | 16 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 29 | 15 | 14 | 30 |
| 4 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 19 | 2 | 28 |
| 5 |  Man CityManchester City | 16 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 23 | 5 | 27 |
| 6 |  B’mouthBournemouth | 16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 21 | 3 | 25 |
However, Arsenal’s attack is getting worse, considering the number of goals, shots and xG (Expected Goals) that they have mustered up so far in comparison to the same points in the two previous campaigns has suffered a dip.
The Gunners signed Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino while also bringing in Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea to help them become the champions of England.
But Stephen Warnock believes four of Arsenal’s established players are not playing as well as they have last season and in the past as a whole.
The Arsenal stars who’ve been told they’ve declined this season
The players in question are Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice.
Furthermore, the pundit told BBC 5 Live Sport how Arsenal are far too dependent on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard as a side.
“I think there’s a bit of a reliance on [Bukayo] Saka and [Martin] Odegaard. If you can keep those two players quiet, [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Leandro] Trossard aren’t quite performing.”
“[Kai] Havertz isn’t where he was probably a few months ago or definitely last season. I think there’s been a drop-off from Declan Rice as well in that midfield area. I think that balance isn’t quite right.”
Recently, Ian Wright urged Martinelli to step up while Havertz was labelled as “average” by Craig Burley.
Trossard was described as “disappointing” by Nigel Reo-Coker while Rice has often played in a more advanced role this season and not played his best football.
Arsenal are “slower” this season
Stephen Warnock also claimed that Arsenal’s style of play is far slower than in the previous season as well, something that he feels has not suited them.
“I think there’s a lot to be said about how Arsenal have played this season. I think it’s a little bit slower this season. I don’t think it’s been as dynamic and as quick.”
“I think they have tried to control games a little bit more and it’s gone against them in a way.”
Mikel Arteta will need the likes of Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz and Rice to rediscover their best selves.
Otherwise, Arsenal could have a season to forget due to how much Arteta depends on the aforementioned quartet.
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