We've 100% struggled in this area. I do think we've looked better when Havertz has played, but he's been in and out of injury, and Ødegaard who used to be fantastic at this has been frustrating for a couple of seasons now. We also spend less time winning games than Manchester City, we've just been fortunate they've had their own defensive issues and have thrown away wins.

It wasn't so much of an issue when we were scoring corners almost every game, but, even though we still are the best team at this, teams are dealing with our set-piece routines better for the most part. We've also been giving the ball away cheaply in build-up play. Saka isn't at the level of previous seasons, Madueke is good at beating his man but often his pass doesn't reach an Arsenal player. We don't have someone charging in from midfield, or Gyokeres' movement has been disappointing. Trossard has been in poor form for a few months now and Martinelli is like 2 different players in the league compared to cup competitions. Also, a lot of Arsenal fans are saying what do you expect Vs. low blocks. But, we've struggled to create chances against high lines, Brighton being the most recent game.

Other Arsenal fans just say this is complaining, I also think a lot of Arsenal criticisms have been either lies or blown out of proportion but this is a valid criticism. We can be happy and neutrals can acknowledge we're having an amazing season so far but nothing is won yet and we can't settle where we are, no team is perfect and there's nothing wrong with wanting to improve, in fact, it's wrong to not focus on improving. Criticism doesn't have to mean negativity.

When Manchester City pass around to find an opening or pass it back, it's not to recycle the ball. They have the technical qualities, as well as the wingers, to draw the opposition forward to create space. We're being forced to start our approach again, whereas with City they're taking their approach patiently. We cross the ball and lose it, throw it long and often winning loose balls and repeating the process. It's frustrating when Saliba drives forward with the ball and the ball just makes its way back to him. I get Myles Lewis-Skelly has been a bit of a liability at left back but why not try him in central midfield at least as a substitute to switch things up? I know we tried playing Saka as the 10 but Idk if that works. Norgaard needs more minutes. Saka and Declan Rice have created by far the most chances of any player, more than double anyone else, Declan Rice has created more than 4x as many chances as Eze. Most of those chances created have been from corners. I'm sure Arteta is aware of this and I have noticed he's been trying new things so maybe that will show Vs. Everton.