Arsenal fail to deliver again: FA Cup exit raises concerns | OneFootball

Arsenal’s season has reached a critical juncture.

The Gunners’ FA Cup dreams were dashed in the third round by Manchester United, who triumphed in a penalty shoot-out despite playing nearly an hour with 10 men.

Once again, questions about Arsenal’s ability to take the final step in their quest for silverware loom large.

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the statistics, recording 26 shots and an expected goals figure of 3.25.

However, they failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage, managing only one goal via a deflected effort from Gabriel Magalhães.

A missed penalty by captain Martin Odegaard epitomised their struggles, as did Kai Havertz’s poor spot-kick in the shoot-out, which sealed their fate.

This latest setback continues a worrying pattern for Arsenal.

Their last piece of silverware came in 2020, and while progress under Arteta is undeniable, translating that growth into trophies remains elusive.

With the FA Cup gone and a 2-0 first-leg deficit to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final, their chances of ending the season with silverware are rapidly diminishing.

Arteta was defiant after the match, praising his team’s performance and resilience.

However, the reality is stark: Arsenal must now target success in the Premier League or Champions League to avoid another trophyless campaign.

The margins for error are thin, and upcoming fixtures, including a crucial clash with Tottenham Hotspur, will test their mettle.

Injuries have added to Arsenal’s woes. Gabriel Jesus was stretchered off with a knee issue, while Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri remain sidelined.

January reinforcements could be vital, yet Arteta has hinted that Arsenal will only enter the transfer market if the right opportunity arises.

The pressure to act has intensified, especially as the squad’s depth is being tested.

Havertz’s form is also a growing concern. The German forward missed several golden opportunities against United, and his confidence appears shattered.

Arteta must find a way to rejuvenate his key players, particularly with the demanding schedule ahead.

This season was meant to signal Arsenal’s return to the top, but their struggles in knockout competitions suggest there is still work to be done.

Winning trophies is the ultimate measure of success, and as Arteta himself admits, it is the toughest step.

For Arsenal, the road to glory has never looked more uncertain.