Former Arsenal player Robert Pires has criticised the team for their “lack of concentration” during their recent match against West Ham. The Gunners were leading 2-0 after early goals from Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard, but they allowed West Ham to come back and draw the match 2-2. Pires also questioned how the team could throw away a two-goal lead, adding that “this isn’t Anfield”. Arsenal have been criticised for their lack of focus in recent matches, including their draw against Liverpool.
The Gunners’ title hopes are now in jeopardy after their draw against West Ham, which came just a week after they threw away a two-goal lead against Liverpool. Arsenal were cruising at 2-0 before West Ham pulled one back with a penalty from Said Benrahma. Bukayo Saka then missed his own spot-kick, and Jarred Bowen equalised for West Ham to ensure the points were split.
Arsenal are now just four points ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who still have a game in hand after beating Leicester 3-1 on Saturday. The Gunners still have to play City this month, and have now recorded two successive draws after being held at Liverpool.
Pires believes that West Ham were buoyed by Arsenal’s lack of concentration, and that the comeback was unforgivable. He reminded the Gunners that they were not at Anfield, which is famous for its hostile reception. Pires told Canal Plus: “We are not at Anfield but it’s a similar lack of concentration, a little mistake. It gives the opponent a notion that they can come back into it. Basically the same thing against Liverpool. Two points lost with Man City’s rhythm… It still comes down to the April 26th fixture. I think there is fear.”
Fellow pundit and former Leeds star Olivier Dacourt added: “Even for Mikel Arteta, this is new. As a coach having a title shot, it’s a new experience. He should have made substitutions earlier today.”
Arsenal’s lack of focus has been a concern for fans and pundits alike, and it remains to be seen whether they can recover in time to challenge for the title. The team will need to improve their concentration and avoid making costly mistakes if they are to stay ahead of Manchester City in the coming weeks.