Just a game into pre-season and it struck again. Where do Arsenal go from here ?
Arsenal finished outside the an European places for the first time in 25 years last season and it is not getting any better ahead of the next season after a 2-1 loss to Scottish side, Hibernian, in the opening game of their pre-season.
Starting the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mohamed Elneny, William, Sead Kolasinac Pablo Mari, Cédric Soares and others, that should even be a fair enough starting eleven for a Premier League game.
However, inability to convert clear-cut chances cost them again as they were presented a great opportunity to take the lead in the fifth minute.
Eddie Nketiah challenged and won the ball from a defender then ran through on goal with only the Goalkeeper to beat but dragged his low shot off the goal.
They had other decent chances to open the scoring but never made any of them count and they went behind in the first half after a miscommunication at the back involving Cedric, which forced an error from Goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo on his first team debut.
Martin Boyle calmly collects and slot into the unguarded net to give the Scot outfit an early lead in the 21st minute.
Mikel Arteta made a host of substitution at half time, and the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Alexander Lacazette, Émile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey came into the fray.
But it was Hibernian who strucked again as Paul Hanlon heads a corner into the path of Daniel Mackay, who heads home from close range.
Three minutes later Nicolas Pepe won a penalty and took it himself, only to see his effort saved by former Arsenal academy Goalkeeper, Maciej Dabrowski in the Hibernian goal.
Emile Smith Rowe pulled one back with a smart finish nine minutes from normal time but that is as good as they get, as Hibernian held on for the win to dealt Arsenal another massive blow.
Where do Arsenal go from here ?
Although, it is a preseason game but the players Arsenal have on show should have no excuse for not beating a team like Hibernian.
Mikel Arteta will rue the missed chances and all the unfortunate incidents that resulted in the loss but how are they working to correct this tragedy that persists ?
Tom Hardy after the Arsenal game: ‘The team starts their campaign with a defeat to Scottish side Hibs. Once they were invincible, now teams like Aston Villa try to sign their good players and the club is best known for furloughing a dinosaur. This is Arsenal, All or Nothing.’
Indeed, Arsenal do not look a quality team anymore and will rate well low compared to other big sides in the Premier League.
Imagine a team with Champions League budget but spending it all on players who will not partake in European competitions, only to have them still lose to teams that will struggle even in the English Championship.
After the heartbreak of years, the club may have to in the end compromise on the 'Mikel Arteta' process and sought another means of solving the troubles, that keep shattering their dreams, season in and out.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
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