Zero coincidence that Arsenal's first & second phase play is generally v good, Mikel has competent players in those positions & can implement his mechanisms. Same can't be said in the final third, namely through the lack of a final third presence, or even anyone w/ a final ball.

Instead, you have two #9's, neither of which start for a T15 PL club. No #10, Özil is missing out for non-footballing reasons & then teams like Palace have superior wingers. Auba & Pépé are quality but require service & need to play very close to the goal.

Follow the pattern: Competent players in first phase (from GKs), good mechanisms w/ Luiz as our main ball progressor. Second phase (midfield), KT, Xhaka & Saka etc. progress the ball to the final third w/ ease.

Then in the final phase, around their box & we look lost. No players BTLs, no central operators, no one showing for the ball, no player's able to play a final pass. So it's just cross spamming. Even Buendia alone changes so much for us.