sport news Arsenal MUST recover against Bayern Munich, claims Ian Ladyman on It's All ... trends now
Ian Ladyman has claimed Arsenal need a quick recovery to get their campaign back on track after capitulating late on against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Following Liverpool's defeat against Crystal Palace the Gunners had a golden opportunity to seize the initiative and return to the top of the league against a returning Unai Emery's visitors.
What followed however was a uninspired performance from Mikel Arteta's side that regressed dramatically after the interval.
With just minutes remaining, what would've been a disappointing goalless draw turned even more sour for the hosts as a quick-fire double from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins condemned the club to their first league defeat in 2024.
The defeat is made yet more bitter by Manchester City continuing their strong form in the league of late, beating Luton on Saturday to go top of the league for the first time since November as the title race nears its conclusion.
Arsenal suffered their first league defeat since December when they faced Aston Villa on Sunday
In doing so, Mikel Arteta's side surrender the initiative in the title race to Manchester City
Ian Ladyman insisted the Gunners appeared 'scared' in the second-half against Villa
Speaking on the latest edition of the It's All Kicking Off podcast, Mail Sport's football editor Ladyman insisted Arsenal supporters should be concerned with their side's recent performances.
'Arsenal, strong in the first half, couldn't score. Absolutely limp as a lettuce leaf in the second half. And if I was an Arsenal fan, if I was Mikel Arteta, that is what would be worrying me.
'I have to say they all of a sudden, out of nowhere, looked a little bit scared in that second half performance. They were wretched and they got what they deserved.'
Ladyman's co-host, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton added his assessment of Arteta's faltering side: 'I read your column and your point about
