The statistic that proves Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal improving in big games despite Liverpool defeat



Arsenal’s season has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, to say the least.

The Gunners’ young squad have delivered a number of solid performances, particularly defensively, currently sitting fifth in the Premier League standings – just three points behind fourth-placed West Ham United.

Still, heavy losses against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have seen some supporters questioning Mikel Arteta‘s credentials, with fans demanding their side become more competitive in the big games.

The north Londoners’ attack has been particularly disappointing, failing to score in five separate league matches already this term – three of those coming against the so-called ‘big six’.

Defeats against Chelsea and Pep Guardiola’s City back in August were bitterly disappointing but fans seemed to recognise that the plethora of problems that saw the likes of Gabriel, Ben White and Thomas Partey unavailable for those fixtures gave Arteta a reasonable excuse considering his side went on a ten-match unbeaten return upon the trio’s return to full fitness.

Therefore, Saturday’s 4-0 loss against the Reds seemed to prove that the Gunners still struggled in big games but a deep dive into the statistics prove that they have improved under the Spaniard’s tutelage in this regard.

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Arsenal recorded just six points from a possible 30 against the big six during Arsene Wenger’s last season as head coach – by far the worst of the pack.

However, as pointed out by Twitter user @_Grimanditweets, the north London outfit rank fourth since Arteta’s appointment – above both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in this regard.

There is undoubtedly plenty of room for the Gunners to improve but considering they currently have the youngest starting XI in the league it appears that they will continue to improve against the league’s best sides.





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