REVEALED: The most embarrassing thing about Arsenal last season

Arsenal’s 89-point haul in the recently concluded Premier League season was a testament to their impressive resurgence. However, beneath the surface of a title-contending campaign, a rather embarrassing statistic lurks – the Gunners’ complete inability to score from direct free kicks.

“This is the second season in a row where Arsenal have not scored a goal from a direct free kick,” reported the club’s official website. “The last player to score a shot straight from a dead ball situation was Martin Ødegaard in September 2021 against Burnley, three years ago.”

This lack of set-piece threat, a seemingly simple aspect of the game, is an unexpected blemish on an otherwise impressive team. While Arsenal excelled in other areas, showcasing an exciting attacking style and a resolute defense, their inability to capitalize on free kicks remains a glaring weakness.

It’s a statistic that has likely raised eyebrows amongst fans and analysts alike. While Arsenal’s overall performance was commendable, the absence of a consistent dead-ball threat could have been the difference in crucial moments during the season.

As they aim for further improvement next season, Arsenal’s focus will likely extend beyond their dynamic play to address this glaring weakness. A renewed emphasis on set-piece practice and strategy could be the key to unlocking an additional scoring dimension for Mikel Arteta’s team, ensuring they are a complete threat from all angles in the pursuit of silverware.