Arsenal may have sent shockwaves across Europe with a stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, but their Premier League campaign continues to suffer from a glaring lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
Since demolishing Manchester City 5-1 back in February, the Gunners have managed just seven goals in as many league games. The absence of a proven centre-forward—an issue not addressed in the winter transfer window—is beginning to cost them dearly.
With just seven games left and a daunting 11-point gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be shifting their focus to europ success, especially with Wednesday night’s decisive second leg against Los Blancos on the horizon.
Despite the high of that European performance, Arsenal must remain grounded. Real Madrid’s pedigree speaks for itself, and nothing is guaranteed at the Bernabéu.
Arsenal are set to host Brentford this weekend but will do so with a depleted squad. Defenders Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined, alongside forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Meanwhile, Brentford are gradually recovering from their injury crisis. Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Nunes are edging closer to a return, though the likes of Fabio Carvalho, Josh Dasilva, and Igor Thiago remain unavailable according to Livescore.com.
The Gunners have drawn 11 league games this season—second highest in the premier league this season—and may find themselves vulnerable to dropping more points, especially with their minds likely drifting to Madrid.
Thomas Frank’s Brentford have not enjoyed a great run either, picking up just one win in their last 5 Premier League outings. However, with Arsenal juggling priorities, this could be a golden chance for the Bees to snatch a result at the Emirates.
Arsenal currently sit 2nd in the table with 62 points, while Brentford are 12th on 42—a 20-point chasm between them. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last five league matches, with 3 draws and 2 wins, while Brentford’s recent form reads 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses.
In their last 9 meetings in all competitions, Arsenal have claimed 6 victories, drawn once, and lost twice.
Arteta’s men are still in the Premier League title picture mathematically, but with Champions League glory now within reach, their domestic form may continue to dip. Brentford could capitalise on this distraction—if they show enough belief.
