One is naive. Twice is downright stupidity.
Within the space of a week, Arsenal have twice blown a two-goal lead, surrendered four points and are in danger of handing the title to Manchester City. But while you could almost excuse drawing at Liverpool last week, a carbon copy slip-up at West Ham is less easy to forgive, especially from a position of complete control.
The game turned on its head in the space of two minutes when Bukayo Saka missed a penalty and the chance to put Arsenal 3-1 up at one end before Jarrod Bowen equalised at the other. But you cannot blame Saka for all of Arsenal’s shortcomings as they ran far deeper on what turned into a painful, demoralising day for Mikel Arteta.
They went from 2-0 up within 10 minutes, were in complete control, to playing into West Ham’s hands with a performance that smacked of arrogance, sloppiness and wasted opportunities. West Ham are fighting against relegation, they are in the middle of a two-legged Europa Conference League tie with Gent and yet still staged a brilliant fightback.
Bowen levelled on 54 minutes and you expected Arsenal to throw everything at West Ham but the plain truth was that they did not create a single clear cut chance in the last half an hour. Arsenal boss Arteta rang the changes but could not find any answers and still looks like a manager who struggles to react when his team is under the cosh.
Of course Arteta can put a brave face on the result and say it is still in Arsenal’s hands. But only if they go and win at the Etihad a week on Wednesday. And that looks pretty unlikely. It even looks as if Arsenal have been spooked by City because Pep Guardiola’s winning streak has made them look untouchable.
In fairness to Arsenal, they did start well and were quick out of the blocks. There was a nice passing build-up before Ben White ’s low cross was turned in by Gabriel Jesus after just seven minutes. Three minutes later, Arsenal got a second. Gabriel Martinelli delivered a delicious cross with the outside of his foot, West Ham’s defence switched off and Martin Odegaard volleyed home and it looked like game over.
But as willing as Rob Holding has been, Arsenal have missed William Saliba during his injury absence. Arsenal also took their foot off the gas and West Ham fought back as Michail Antonio stretched the visiting defence.
Thomas Partey was badly at fault when he tried a flick in a dangerous area, Rice nicked the ball - it did look suspiciously like handball - and then Gabriel brought down Lucas Paqueta with a clumsy challenge. Said Benrahma slotted home the penalty.
You could sense history repeating itself from Anfield last week with the nerves jangling. But they were gifted a penalty when Martinelli’s shot on the turn hit Antonio’s outstretched arm. Saka, who has been faultless from the spot since missing in the Euros final, blazed wide.
And then within two minutes Saka’s agony was compounded. Gabriel headed clear, West Ham’s Thilo Kehrer hit the ball back in and there was Bowen to fire past Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
West Ham’s fans suddenly believed and you could see Arsenal’s confidence drain away. It could have got even worse when Antonio headed against the woodwork late on.
Arsenal have done brilliantly to carry the title charge to City all season, but that will still not make up for the disappointment if they finish as runners-up.
