THERE were few Arsenal fans expecting a miracle.
And this was the latest evidence to prove that Mikel Arteta has one hell of a job on his hands at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta now realises the challenge he has to get Arsenal back to the glory daysCredit: Reuters
John Fleck scored the 83rd minute leveller in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United after an opening goal from Gabriel Martinelli.
And that makes it just one win in five in the Premier League for Arteta with the only triumph coming at home to Manchester United.
It is also strange seeing a Premier League table after 23 games with Arsenal having managed just six wins all season.
Ultimately, Arsenal’s defence is so bad and so disorganised, you have to wonder the number of clean sheets they will manage over the rest of the season. Not many, if any.
DODGY DEFENDING AGAIN
There have still been some early signs of improvement for Arteta but this situation was not a case of a quick-fix needed. It is going to take a couple of years to sort this lot out.
It is no surprise that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has itchy feet and you have to wonder whether Alexandre Lacazette will be around next season.
And that is why young players like Martinelli, who scored his ninth goal of the season, will be so important over the next few years.
Arsenal had plenty of chances but every time United threatened – and this was not their best away performance – they looked a real threat. The home defence is truly terrible.
In the end, Chris Wilder’s hard-working team deserved a point.
On this evidence, it is difficult seeing Arsenal getting much out of their trip to Chelsea on Tuesday.
Then, it is away at Bournemouth in the FA Cup and it should be a match Arteta takes seriously as it is their only realistic chance of winning anything this season.
It could also be their only route in Europe as it certainly will not be via their League position.
Arsenal were once again their own worst enemy in the backlineCredit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk