Arsenal's April COLLAPSE and how they can RECOVER

Arsenal fell to their second consecutive Premier League defeat on Sunday after Manchester City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just three points.

The Gunners have only managed to win one of their last six games in all competitions. In that time, they lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City, were knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton, lost back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this season but managed to secure a narrow two legged victory over Sporting Lisbon to reach the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.

Before this run of games Mikel Arteta’s side were nine points clear at the top of the league table and in with a shout of winning every major trophy available this campaign. So, what caused such an unexpected yet catastrophic collapse and can Arsenal turn things around and still win some much-anticipated silverware this season?

Firstly, what is an important point to remember, Arsenal is in the last four of the Champions League which, in my opinion, is the most prestigious trophy there is to win in club football. This is a fantastic achievement. They won all eight of their league phase matches and only conceded four in that time and are still yet to lose a single game in the competition, a run of eleven games unbeaten. Atletico Madrid are the opponents waiting in the semi-final and some would argue are the most favourable opposition left in it. Arsenal has a massive opportunity at reaching a first UCL final in twenty-years and only their second in the history of the club’s existence. This is something positive Arsenal fans need to focus on.

Regarding the Premier League, it’s not looking good for Arsenal. After Sunday’s devastating defeat to Manchester City, second place for a fourth consecutive season looks increasingly likely for Arteta’s men and with the position they found themselves in the middle of March, heading into the international break, you cannot excuse not winning the league title from there. But defeats to both Bournemouth and City mean Arsenal sit just three points ahead of City, but Pep Guardiola’s side do have a game in hand against Burnley this week. If City were to beat Burnley, they would go top of the table with five games to go. A position they've only been in for six days this campaign.

I think the issues Arsenal have faced are quite simple. Mikel Arteta is a fantastic coach, but his downfall is stubbornness. He clearly has his favourites. For example, Martin Zubimendi was not at his best at all for a period. Instead of benching him and giving someone like Christian Norgaard a chance, he persisted and the same issues continued. Martin Odegaard should have to work for his place in this team especially with the poor performances he has produced this season, but it seems as soon as the captain is fit, he starts and someone who has been playing well (Eze) is dropped without hesitation.

The next issue is being too afraid to lose. This team would rather play conservative football to ensure they don’t lose the game rather than play intense and exciting football and risk being caught out. Playing so bluntly means that if Arsenal are stung by their opponent, it is so much harder to build up momentum to try and come back and win the game. This has shown in most of those six recent games. The confidence seems to have dropped.

Moving forward, the pressure is on Manchester City. The Arsenal players need to stand up and be counted for. Do their jobs and win every game from now, which is very achievable, and this team has a chance to turn everything right around. They need to show the urgency.