ESPN pundit Steve Nicol believes that Arsenal have often not been “ready” for their opponents this season, following a tough FA Cup tie at the weekend.
Just days after their dramatic 3-3 draw at Bournemouth in the Premier League, in which they were 3-0 down at one point, the Gunners took on Preston North End at Deepdale in the FA Cup third round on Saturday evening. However just like that clash at the Vitality Stadium, they made an incredibly poor start to the tie.
Preston stormed into a deserved early lead through Callum Robinson, who capitalised on some lax Arsenal defending, while they had several other chances to extend their advantage throughout the opening period. Simon Grayson’s men couldn’t take those opportunities though, and were subsequently punished in the second half.
Goals from Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud sealed Arsenal’s progress into Monday night’s fourth round draw, but Nicol questioned their approach in certain games, claiming they’re often not ready for the opposition from the first whistle.
“I think true champions do it when they have to, but it seems like Arsenal have to do it more often than anybody else, and again I would suggest that’s down to Arsene Wenger,” the pundit told ESPN FC. “I love the way Arsenal play when they’re at their best, it is good to watch.
“It’s silky, they score some great goals, but when you’re playing against a side, regardless of whether it’s a Premier League team or a Preston North End from the Championship, and you know they’re going to come at you, you know they’re going to chase you and harry you, close you down, you have to be ready for that.
“Right from the get-go. On too many occasions, including this Preston North End game, Arsenal were not ready for it.”
The Gunners have scored 44 goals and conceded 22 in their 20 Premier League fixtures this season, with a shot accuracy of 46%, as they sit fifth on 41 points, one behind the top four.
Next up for them is an away clash at Swansea City on Saturday, before taking on Burnley at the Emirates.
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