Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has said that, having been top of the league in January, the Gunners have thrown the Premier League title away.
The Gunners had been top of the table at the end of the 2015 but several poor performances, particularly against teams lower down the table, has seen the North London side fall down to fourth. They are currently 13 points behind league leaders Leicester.
Lehmann believes there is only one conclusion to be drawn from this, with the German saying: “Have they thrown it away? Yes, it’s a fact, of course they did. The table now is different.”
Despite his criticism, he still retains affection for the Gunners, adding: “So of course I’m a little bit sad.”
Arsenal’s form has been poor since the start of the calendar year, having won just five of their fourteen league matches in 2016, losing three and drawing six. Those draws in particular have seen the Gunners fall away from Leicester and Spurs, who are now locked into an unexpected title run-in.
The Gunners’ title woes are exemplified by forward Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman has played a part in every league game this season, but his form has been poor since the turn of the year.
In the 19 league games played in 2015, Giroud had scored a healthy 10 times and Arsenal were prosperous. However since January 1st, he has scored just twice in 13 games played and without his goals the Gunners have failed to win games and slid meekly down the table.
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