Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations suffered a significant setback following their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. This result allowed Manchester City to close the gap at the top to a narrow two points. The Gunners now face renewed scrutiny over their recent performances and squad dynamics.

The late injury-time winner from Emi Buendia marked only Arsenal’s second league loss this season. However, it represents the third time they have dropped points in their last five Premier League matches. Concerns are mounting over an alarming increase in goals conceded by Mikel Arteta’s side.

Initially boasting an impressive defensive record, Arsenal allowed just four goals in their first sixteen matches across all competitions. They have since conceded six goals in their subsequent six fixtures. This shift moves their immediate focus from chasing defensive records to regaining consistent form and building a more convincing lead.

Adding to the growing pressure, striker Viktor Gyokeres has questioned Arsenal’s current offensive capabilities. Reports suggest the Swedish international believes the team lacks sufficient creativity in the final third. He urged his teammates to increase their shot output to reignite their title challenge.

Speaking after the crucial defeat, Gyokeres emphasised the importance of creating more opportunities. “We must keep creating chances and get shots on goal,” he stated. “Eventually, we will score more. Focusing on what we control will make us better.”

Gyokeres himself has seen limited action recently, relegated to substitute appearances since returning from a muscle problem in November. With just six goals in seventeen appearances across all competitions, he acknowledges the need to improve his own numbers significantly. His contribution is considered vital for spearheading any successful title charge.

Further internal tensions emerged during the match involving key players Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Rice was visibly incensed after his Norwegian teammate seemingly hesitated during a critical tackle in the game’s final moments. The incident occurred just seconds before Aston Villa secured their decisive winning goal.

The flashpoint saw Odegaard appear to dither against Ian Maatsen, who despite being cornered, managed to escape the challenge. Rice reportedly pointed and yelled at Odegaard following the sequence. This public display of frustration highlighted the high stakes involved in the fixture.

Odegaard’s defensive shortcomings continued during the lead-up to Buendia’s goal. He failed to track Boubacar Kamara’s run into the box and appeared disorganised during a chaotic scramble. The ball ultimately fell to Buendia, who curled it home from close range with the very last kick.

Despite the on-field disagreements and individual errors, manager Mikel Arteta refused to single out any specific player. His public statements maintained a unified front, emphasising collective responsibility. Arsenal now faces an immediate test of character to overcome these challenges.

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