3) Lack of Squad Depth
When fans cite the injury of Saliba or Partey’s loss of form as reasons for the title slipping away, you have to wonder whether the replacements were good enough.
Of course, any team is going to miss key players but you do feel that Arsenal would have got better results if they had a more suitable backup for Saliba than Rob Holding, or perhaps a stronger alternative for Ben White at right-back.
With Partey in midfield, Arteta didn’t really have a like-for-like replacement. Even with Jorginho, who has tons of experience, he lacks the athleticism and the ability to cover ground, which is needed in the no. 6 role.
