Only Leeds United and Southampton have conceded more home goals than Arsenal this season. The latter earned a 3-3 draw at the Emirates on Friday - a crushing blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.
Rock-bottom Southampton arrived in North London fighting for their lives and were unlucky not to leave with all three points. Arsenal twice found themselves trailing by two goals, with last-gasp strikes from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka sparing their blushes.
Both sides were ultimately left feeling deflated at the full-time whistle as the result had repercussions at both ends of the table. The Gunners blew their chance to move seven points clear of Manchester City ahead of the mouthwatering clash at the Etihad next Wednesday.
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Mikel Arteta’s side have stuttered in recent weeks, drawing their last three fixtures. While previous results saw Arsenal surrender two-goal leads, at least they can take solace from the fact it was their turn to inspire a fightback.
However, over the course of the campaign, defensive fragilities have proven their undoing. Leeds and Southampton being the only two sides to concede more home goals (both 30) is alarming considering their status as relegation favourites.
The three shipped in against Southampton takes Arsenal’s tally to 21, ahead of strugglers Leicester City, Everton and Bournemouth. By contrast, the Gunners have only shipped in 13 goals on the road - the joint lowest in the division, alongside Manchester City.
Arsenal’s final three home fixtures are against Chelsea, Brighton and Wolverhampton Wanderers - three sides they trounced in their own backyards earlier in the campaign. Ensuring league doubles - while improving their home defensive record - is a must if Arteta and Co are to clinch the Premier League title.
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