Robbie Lyle: “Worst performance I’ve seen this season and that’s worrying” | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Title Hopes in Tatters After West Ham Defeat: Fan Reaction on AFTV

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham. A scoreline that sent shockwaves through the Emirates and left fans grappling with frustration, disappointment, and a growing sense of déjà vu. Robbie Lyle did not hold back in his post-match comments on AFTV, calling out both the boardroom and the players for what they described as an avoidable defeat.

Lack of Urgency and Desire on the Pitch

“This is the worst performance I’ve seen this season,” Robbie Lyle stated emphatically. The game was billed as a must-win for Arsenal, especially with the title race still alive. However, West Ham executed their plan to perfection, deploying a low block and punishing Arsenal on the counter.

“We did not deserve to get anything out of this game. Nothing. Two shots all game,” Robbie added. The lack of cutting edge was evident, with Arsenal struggling to create meaningful chances despite dominating possession. “When you’ve got a low block and the passing ain’t working, someone’s got to be brave, pick the ball up and drive at players, take a couple out of formation to open things up.”

Arsenal’s Struggles in the Final Third

A key talking point was Martin Ødegaard’s performance. “Martin Ødegaard, right? He was playing off passes when he should be getting shots off!” Robbie lamented. “All of them, honestly, today, that’s the worst performance I’ve seen this season.”

The inability to break down West Ham mirrored previous frustrations Arsenal have faced this season. With Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka struggling to find space, there was no alternative plan. “The game today was screaming out for someone to come on and change it,” Robbie observed. “Last week, Calvert-Lewin for Everton came on and became an option. Today, we had nobody.”

Photo: IMAGO

Boardroom’s Role in Arsenal’s Decline

It wasn’t just the players under scrutiny; the January transfer window decisions came back to haunt Arsenal. “We bottled it in January in the boardroom, and today we bottled it on the pitch,” Robbie declared. “If you don’t buy a striker, if you don’t buy a goal scorer, how are you going to win the league?”

There was an overwhelming sense that Arsenal had taken unnecessary risks by not reinforcing their squad when it mattered. “City knew they were struggling, so what did they do? They spent money, bought players, gave themselves a chance. We? We gambled, and now we’re paying for it.”

Worrying Signs for the Future

Arsenal’s next fixture against Nottingham Forest is already causing concern. “God help us on Wednesday,” Robbie warned. “They are also a low-block team, and they’re better at counter-attacking than West Ham. If we play like we did today, we’re in big trouble.”

AFTV contributors echoed similar concerns about the mentality within the squad. “Every single one of the Arsenal players was up for the Man City game,” Robbie noted. “Where was that today? This was as important, yet we treated it like just another match.”

For Arsenal fans, the frustration isn’t just about the loss—it’s about what the defeat represents. A team that once held the title race in their hands now finds itself relying on rivals to slip up. “This should have been treated like a cup final,” Robbie emphasised. “Every game from now until the end of the season should be a cup final. But did they play like that? No.”

Final Thoughts

Arsenal have lost control of their title destiny. A failure to invest in January and a lack of urgency on the pitch have put them on the back foot. The fans, once cautiously optimistic, are now left wondering if their club has the mentality to truly challenge for the Premier League.

As Robbie summed it up, “It’s February, and already it feels like the season is slipping away. And for what? To save £10 million? It’s unacceptable.”