Arsenal fell to a 2-0 loss in the EFL Cup final on Sunday evening, outclassed by Manchester City and squandering the first trophy on offer this season.
The Gunners were dealt a significant blow before a ball was even kicked, with Eberechi Eze a surprise omission from the starting line-up after picking up a knock in training. His absence proved telling, pushing a partially match-fit Kai Havertz into the starting lineup.
With Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino also out, it left Arsenal with limited creativity in the 11, which ultimately proved costly.
After an early chance for Havertz which led to a triple save from James Trafford, City’s press shut Arsenal out of the game, restricting build-up which stopped most attacks before they even started.
The lack of a creative spark to drop deep and relieve the pressure was a huge miss.
It also highlighted some of the weaknesses among Arsenal’s regular defensive and midfield options at the highest level, unable to take the ball on the half turn under pressure or pick out a smart pass to beat the press.
Despite having just brought in Martin Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard in the summer, it wouldn’t be hugely surprising if the Gunners go into the market for a more progressive option in the summer, specifically for games like this.
Ultimately, it was a 20 minute period after half time which killed the game off, with City turning up the heat and sustaining a wave of dangerous attacks that rewarded them with two goals.
Whether it’s reliably playing through teams in build-up, or pinning teams back with star attackers, Arsenal still lack answers in some of the biggest games and City showed that during their post-half time spell.
It was a defeat that hurt. The first chance of a trophy this season and Arsenal were never really close.
But with two months to go, Arsenal still lead the Premier League, are in the Champions League quarter-finals against Sporting Lisbon, and the FA Cup quarter-finals against Southampton.
Three trophies to play for and an international break to reset. The EFL Cup final cannot be allowed to define Arsenal’s season.
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