Mikel Arteta’s side still trail Liverpool in the title race (Image: Getty)
Saturday afternoon’s defeat at home to felt like the death knell for ’s title challenge.
A first-half Jarrod Bowen goal and a Myles Lewis-Skelly red card midway through the second half meant dropped points for the 11th time this season.
An unsustainable return for a side aiming for Premier League glory – not to mention the five red cards the Gunners have picked up this term.
But what if there’s still a chance could be crowned Premier League champions come May?
If the ribbons are to be red and white of an variety on the Premier League trophy, it will be down to ’s two secret weapons waiting in reserve.
It’s no surprise the north Londoners’ dip in form has coincided with the absence of talisman , who went down injured during a match against Crystal Palace in mid-December.
The Englishman later required surgery on his hamstring injury, with a return expected to come in the spring.
Be that in the Premier League or the Champions League, Saka returning to the XI is of paramount importance.
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Bukayo Saka is said to be working hard in his rehab (Image: Getty)
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Despite not playing a game since 21 December, Saka still sits top of the Premier League rankings for most big chances created – ’s attack isn’t the same without him.
But Saka isn’t a one-man band.
Gabriel Martinelli’s return is just as crucial for Arteta and co. given the limited options they currently have in attack.
Mikel Merino started as ’s striker in the defeat against West Ham, while on-loan man Raheem Sterling came off the bench to little avail.
A goal-shy with these two-star attackers back in the team could have their end-of-season fortunes transformed.
It would require a major turnaround, but it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.
Speaking on his side’s recent performances, Arteta said: “It’s not in our hands. For me, I’m really, really annoyed with the things that were in our hands that we didn’t do as well as we possibly could and that’s the performance…
“We have to look in the mirror at ourselves and what we can do better, the will and desire and the way we run and the way we want it, zero questions about that.
“But at this level it’s not enough, you have to deliver and it has to be a lot of quality to break a really good team down to win many more duels than we have done and put actions that can end up in really threatening moments for the positions to win the game, and we haven’t done it.”
return to action away to Nottingham Forest in mid-week.