ARSENAL IS SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR, FROM THE EPL TITLE

By Jegede Oluwatosin 

Arsenal let their second two-goal lead slip in as many games as West Ham staged a strong comeback at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Gabriel Jesus gave the Gunners the perfect start as he rounded off an eye-catching team move within the opening few minutes. Captain Martin Odegaard doubled the lead shortly after by volleying home from close range after more slick play from Mikel Arteta‘s men.

Momentum swung, though, as Said Benrahma reduced the deficit from the penalty spot. Bukayo Saka had a golden opportunity to put his side back in charge from the spot after a Michail Antonio handball but blazed his effort wide.

Jarrod Bowen then completed an impressive comeback from the Hammers as he volleyed in an excellent equalizer in what could be a crushing blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.

So often this season, Arsenal has been genuinely unstoppable when taking the lead. In their last two matches, however, they have shown signs of vulnerability – something that could cost them in the Premier League title race.

At Anfield against Liverpool, they were cruising before Mohamed Salah found the net in the 42nd minute. After that point, the momentum completely swung. It was the same at the London Stadium.

Immediately after Benrahma found the net from the spot, West Ham was the better side, and an equaliser looked inevitable. Those four dropped points could be terminal as the Gunners attempt to beat Man City to the title, and Arteta must find a solution for that lack of concentration sooner rather than later.