'Shackles off' - can Arteta 'go for it'?
All our downhill momentum has disappeared because the handbrake was on in the first place. Stefan: Despite losing, Sunday's game showed us this Arsenal team can play positive, attacking football. When he has had the opportunity to play attractive football, Arteta has.
[BBC] [Getty Images] We asked for your views on whether Mikel Arteta is capable of releasing the handbrake from this Arsenal side as they look to beat Manchester City to the title after falling behind their rivals on goals scored. Here are some of your comments: Chris G: It's no good releasing the handbrake when it's obvious we are on an uphill climb. All our downhill momentum has disappeared because the handbrake was on in the first place.
Despite the relatively successful performances that put us in a superior position, it looks as though that just flattered to deceive and the April demons that have scuppered our chances before are still travelling with us. Stefan: Despite losing, Sunday's game showed us this Arsenal team can play positive, attacking football. I'm hoping Arteta and the team will bring that same attitude to the remaining games and, if nothing else, keep the pressure on City.
David: To me, this style of play is temporary. When he has had the opportunity to play attractive football, Arteta has. But the current state of the Premier League (which Arteta has a part in creating), favours this very duel-focused, organised football.
There's a broader conversation about how that makes the league more competitive, but that's a separate point. Arteta has essentially crafted a form of football that is as sustainable as possible, and that comes at the cost of beauty and some physical exhaustion. I sincerely doubt it will remain as such, a return to technical security looks imminent, especially with the way the league is headed.