Arsenal’s slow starts threaten Premier League title ambitions

Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions may hinge on solving one recurring issue: slow starts.

After another frustrating midweek draw at the Gtech Community Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s side once again went into half-time level following a subdued opening 45 minutes. It has become a pattern that could yet define their campaign.

This was the sixth time in eight Premier League matches that Arsenal have been level at the break. Four of those were goalless.

Across 26 league games this season, Arsenal matches have produced just 24 first-half goals in total — the lowest figure in the division. On average, the Gunners are scoring 0.69 goals in the opening 45 minutes. In 2022/23, that number stood at 1.03. A year later, it rose to 1.11.

The contrast is stark.

Earlier title challenges under Arteta were built on explosive openings. Arsenal regularly overwhelmed opponents early, building leads and forcing teams to chase games.

This season, caution appears to have replaced chaos.

Arteta has always prioritised control. In previous campaigns, however, that control coexisted with risk. Games often had a high-tempo, transitional feel.

Now, Arsenal’s approach feels more measured. Opponents frequently sit deep, denying space. But there is also a sense that the Gunners are reluctant to overcommit early.

Having followed Arsenal closely across recent title races, this shift is noticeable. The current structure is disciplined, but it sometimes lacks the early authority that once unsettled opponents.

Arteta himself highlighted the importance of half-time adjustments last month:

“I think it’s a really important moment. You gather a lot of information, you have a moment to breathe, to reflect and to make decisions and try to pass the messages that we believe are important and relevant to help us to win the game.”

The numbers support that view. Arsenal have scored 12 goals in the first 15 minutes after half-time — compared to 18 across the entire first half of matches this season.

They often improve. But waiting for improvement carries risk.

As the pressure intensifies, tension grows inside stadiums when matches remain level. The longer games stay at 0-0 or 1-1, the heavier the psychological weight becomes.

Removing that tension early is vital.

Only four times in 26 league games have Arsenal scored more than once in the first half — against Leeds (twice), Burnley and Tottenham. That lack of early knockout punch could prove decisive in a title race defined by fine margins.

However, it remains too early to suggest panic. Arsenal remain firmly in contention, and their defensive solidity is part of why they are there.

The challenge is balancing composure with aggression.

Arsenal face a demanding run of fixtures in the coming weeks, where early momentum could be decisive.

Whether Arteta adjusts his approach or maintains the current structure may determine how the title race unfolds.

Should Arsenal stick with controlled starts or go back to flying out of the blocks?