The stat that shames leaky Arsenal: Unai Emery’s men have allowed their opponents more shots than ANY other team in Europe’s top leagues

  • Arsenal's defensive frailties came to light again in 2-2 draw with Watford
  • The Gunners lead 2-0 before a second-half fightback at Vicarage Road
  • New stats have revealed that Arsenal have faced the most shots across Europe 
  • The figures will only serve to reiterate fans' concerns regarding their defence

Arsenal's disappointing draw at Watford meant that Unai Emery's side failed to displace Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the top four come the end of the latest weekend of Premier League games. 

Roberto Pereyra's penalty late on ensured the Hornets picked up a well-earned point at Vicarage Road, while some fans felt the Hertfordshire side deserved all three after a commanding second-half performance in Quique Sanchez Flores' return as boss. 

But there is one table that the north London side sit at the summit of, although Arsenal fans may not be too pleased to see their team atop these standings.

Arsenal showed that their defensive frailties were still clear for all to see at Vicarage Road

Arsenal showed that their defensive frailties were still clear for all to see at Vicarage Road

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has faced 96 shots so far this 2018-19 league campaign

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has faced 96 shots so far this 2018-19 league campaign

Unai Emery's side have faced the most shots across Europe's top five leagues so far in the 2018-19 season. The Gunners have faced 96 from their opening five league games, having not stepped out in any other competition yet. 


This figure will only serve to reinforce Arsenal fans' concerns over a defence that continues to be leaky, despite the arrival of experienced defender David Luiz this summer. 

Almost a third of that sum of shots were faced at Vicarage Road on Sunday, with Watford having 31 towards Bernd Leno's goal. 

Midfielder Granit Xhaka says Arsenal need to resolve their mental fortitude issues

Midfielder Granit Xhaka says Arsenal need to resolve their mental fortitude issues

Seven Premier League sides make up the top 10, with Norwich, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Southampton and Newcastle featuring in the standings. 

Fans and pundits were quick to slam the efforts of a lacklustre Arsenal side in their  2-2 draw against Watford.  

Graeme Souness on Sky Sports laid into Arsenal for letting the game slip. 

Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness launched a scathing attack on Arsenal again

Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness launched a scathing attack on Arsenal again

Most shots faced in Europe's top five leagues

Arsenal: 96

Norwich City: 93

Spurs: 82

Toulouse: 79

Aston Villa: 77

Bournemouth: 76 

Amiens: 76

Southampton: 75

Newcastle United: 74

Rennes: 73

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‘They capitulated. Proper teams don't play like that,' he said. 'They brought on some kids. That was a game when it was 2-1 and it was time to dig in. When the kids came on it was all over the place, it was like a game of basketball.

‘Persisting with playing out from the back was going to cost them a goal, and they were lucky it was only one.'

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka bemoaned his side's lack of mental fortitude. 

‘We were scared in the second half,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘We knew they would come at us and push us hard but we have to show more character and not be scared. We have spoken about it. We cannot give a performance like this in the second half. 

‘Nobody wanted the ball. Every team in the Premier League is strong enough to score so you have to stay calm, be mentally strong and we weren't today.’ 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Arsenal a two-goal lead before Watford fought back

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Arsenal a two-goal lead before Watford fought back

  

 

 

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