What the Premier League is all about: Controversial Arteta knocks Arsenal, United back in title fight

Why are Arsenal’s deteriorating performances and possible title loss going to Mikel Arteta? In the fourth part of our weekly column, in which we analyse interesting facts from the world of English football, we briefly delve into Southampton and Manchester United.

Arteta seals the title

Two weeks back five points ahead at the top of the table, now second place by a score. Arsenal have dropped eight points in three rounds with two losses and a draw and the Citizens have caught up with their rivals thanks to a 3-1 win in the return leg.

Until February, everything was going well. But now the defence is falling apart. Ben White, who was often at fault, was replaced by Tomiyasu, who gifted a goal to Kevin De Bruyne. On the other hand, Mikel Arteta did not reach into a dysfunctional attack, and that was a mistake.

Eddie Nketiah once again confirmed that he is at most a number two striker. He played solidly in November and January, but now he is burning chance after chance while the outplayed Leandro Trossard sits on the bench. It is the failure to hit the offensive trio that Arteta is most accused of.

Saints remember Ralph

Southampton sacked coach Nathan Jones after four months as expected. Fans almost almost hated him, on the contrary, looking at the table they sadly remembered his predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl.

And the sacking of the Austrian coach back in November was a bit incomprehensible. Hasenhüttl had got Saints out of major crises in the past, but more importantly, he knew how to keep the much-needed team spirit in the cabin.

But under Jones, the core of the team fell apart. The new signings haven’t clicked yet and Saints now face a tough draw. There is no new coach yet and a return of Ralph is not entirely unrealistic. He could help the cabinet a lot.

Manchester United back in the title race

Manchester United are back in the title race after the Citizens win over Arsenal. They are now five points behind the leaders, eight if the Gunners can manage their game to win. But Arsenal can lose three times in a row, we have now seen that.

Moreover, the Red Devils have already played both Arsenal and Manchester City, while the former and the latter are yet to play each other at the Etihad. This weekend’s confrontation between United and upstart Leicester will be the first test.

Source: Premier League