Arsenal is having a difficult season. Shortly before the break, Mikel Arteta arrived to take over the Gunner club and try to end the season but those in London are in the middle of the table and increasingly far from Europe.
The team works on the basis of good individuals such as Aubameyang or young Martinelli but, as a whole, it does not manage to fit all the pieces. At the back is, without a doubt, where he ends up suffering the most. The Gunners are the tenth best defense team in the Premier, that is, the worst of the big-6 that forms with Chelsea, City, Liverpool, United and Tottenham. 41 goals conceded in 30 games, an average of 14.8 shots received per game and it is also the most penalized team in the League (65 yellow, four red). Cards that, a priori, do not see to avoid goals.
That Arteta needs to reinforce the defense is something that the data supports but, far from including new names, the club has relied on those that it already has. This morning, David Luiz renewed one more season and Pablo Mari, who will be out for several months due to injury, will complete his transfer from Flamengo as soon as the international market opens, signing for four years. In addition, for this period of time he has also signed Cedric Soares, who arrived in January from Southampton and has not yet made his debut.
The Brazilian, who seemed to regret his mistakes against City of staying in north London, will continue for another year as a gunner. In addition, he made public his intentions to sign for Benfica sooner or later. His return with the eagles could take place, if all parties want, at the end of next season when he will be released again.
For now, and in the absence of new troops that could arrive this summer, Arteta will continue to have the ones it already has and needs to get a better performance. Arsenal are 10th in the standings with eight games to go. With 40 points, he is six from United, which marks access to Europe.