2. They can’t defend set pieces
A common accusation levelled at Arsenal, but one that contains little factual evidence. Ever since Steve Bould implemented the much-maligned zonal marking system from corners, the % of Arsenal’s goals conceded from set pieces has dropped, mainly due to the use of Mertesacker and Giroud, the two tallest members of the team, occupying the space near the front post to clear the ball away before it can reach the danger zone. Mertesacker’s height and Koscielny’s adeptness at muscling strikers off the ball when it’s in the air mean Arsenal are far better equipped to deal with set plays and long balls.
3. They don’t have enough experience
Arsenal’s average age, according to Transfermarkt, is 26.7, which is a huge rise on the Wenger teams of past where the average age was 22-25, and is now on a par of the teams of 2002-2005. Players such as Arteta, Mertesacker, Flamini, Rosicky, Cazorla and Podolski are all in their late twenties/early thirties, providing Arsenal with the experience that allowed them to navigate many games this season, especially in the FA Cup, coupled with the youthful enthusiasm of Gnabry, Chamberlain, Sanogo, Wilshere, Ramsey et al, giving Arsenal fans cause for optimism next season.