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Former Manchester City defender and pundit Micah Richards believes a single tactical error by Mikel Arteta was pivotal in Arsenal not winning the Premier League title during the 2023/24 season.
The Gunners displayed remarkable form for much of the season, often considered the best team in the league. Despite their strong performance, Manchester City ultimately triumphed, securing their fourth consecutive title with an impressive late-season surge.
Richards, reflecting on the season, pinpointed a crucial mistake by Arteta that he feels derailed Arsenal’s title hopes.
Arsenal had an almost impeccable record in 2024, dropping only five points in the Premier League since January. These included a draw against Manchester City at the Etihad and a home loss to Aston Villa, the latter being particularly damaging.
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In the match against Villa, Arsenal dominated the first half but failed to score. Their performance dipped in the second half, leading to late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins, which sealed their defeat.
Micah Richards (Image credit: Getty Images)
Richards, speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, criticised Arteta’s decision to play Kai Havertz in midfield instead of his successful role as a false nine.
“I just go back to that Villa game, Arsenal vs. Villa at home,” Richards said. “Arteta chose to go with Havertz in the midfield area instead of the false nine, which has worked so well for them. He could’ve gone with Jorginho or Partey. Emery, on the day, tactically got it spot on. So, yeah, disappointed.”
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While the loss to Aston Villa was significant, Richards noted that it wasn’t the only match where Arsenal faltered. Early in the season, a 2-2 draw against Fulham saw the Gunners concede an equaliser in the 87th minute, despite leading with a man advantage.
Another critical setback came just before the new year, when Arsenal suffered a surprising home defeat to West Ham United. Despite dominating the match, Arteta’s side failed to score, and the Hammers capitalised, contributing to Arsenal’s eventual shortfall in the title race.
These missed opportunities, combined with the tactical misstep against Aston Villa, highlighted by Richards, underscore the fine margins that defined Arsenal’s season and their ultimate failure to clinch the Premier League title.
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