I couldn't watch the game, but I saw that there was a bit of rotation in the starting eleven. How did the team play?
Very odd game.
Arsenal actually dominated possession first half, but did not create many threats. PSV came out second half very strong and we looked clueless. They deserved the win (they had three goals disallowed for offside which
tells you everything). What made this worse was the rotation and substitutes did nothing to lift our game. Which had led me ask this question.
We are in a slump but is there a clear answer as to why? Arsenal haven't lost their talent overnight. Nor have they lost their pressing and tactics. One factor for sure is an amount of fatigue but then all teams are facing the same pressure. With this game it simply occured to me that what they are facing is mental pressure.
I do not think they are mentally ready for prime time, to be leading the Premier League. Yes, they have the talent and ability, but, they are all just too young and inexperienced and that also applies to Arteta. Everyone's game has dropped off but just weeks ago the likes of Saliba or Saka had some of the best stats in the league. It's mental pressure. As noted, the team was rotated to some degree, no one made an impact. The subs did not make an impact either. That cannot be physical fatigue so it has to be pressure.
I hardly think all is lost. We still lead the PL and EL group...but...I think the team needs a break as such. What they need is a statement win to remove some of the pressure. We face Nottingham Forrest at home next and please god we have a solid win. that will make all relax. Then we have Zurich at home also, and we should win that game (got to stay optimistic) and then win our EL group and save playing two extra games next round.
Then, in thinking about all this, I am going to pose something a little controversial. We then face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. If we were on form we could likely beat them. But, under the circumstances, I am not sure that taking a loss might benefit the team, because that would put man City on top of the league and then Arsenal could start playing as underdogs with less pressure mentally. Then the final game we have I believe is Wolves before the World Cup that we should win also.
Naturally I would love to win all the games before the WC but something is not working at the moment and that has been evident for several games. Again, I believe it comes down to be the youngest team in the PL and the pressure has stacked up -which is understandable.
If they can remove the pressure and start playing for the Champions League place (which was the end goal for this season) then I would hope we start flourishing again. Remember, we should then have three first team players - Zinchenko, Elneny and Smith-Rowe- back in the new year and that will have a calming effect also.
I think everyone has to be smart and philosophical at this point. Keep goals realistic and lower some expectations to take the pressure off and we should find out feet again!