Stats prove Arsenal are rubbish during squeaky bum time – and Mikel Arteta is without his only hope

Arsenal’s injury setbacks have added to their woeful April form as their title challenge falters.

The Gunners have seen their nine point lead at the top of the Premier League disappear in the space of three weeks.

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Following the international break, Mikel Arteta‘s side appeared on their way to a first league title in 22 years.

However, they now find themselves in second just two matches later.

Arsenal went into the March international break off the back of a home win over Everton.

The victory extended their unbeaten run to eight matches, with six wins during that period.

Since the Premier League returned, though, they have failed to pick up a single point.

Sunday’s defeat to title rivals Manchester City followed a home loss to Bournemouth a week prior.

City have now leapfrogged Arsenal at the summit with a narrow win over Burnley on Wednesday night.

It is the first time since October that the Gunners have not occupied first place.

Arsenal’s April curse

Arsenal’s title wobble has coincided with the start of a month which has proven notoriously troubling for Arteta.

Since he was appointed in December 2019, the Spaniard has taken charge of 27 Premier League matches in April.

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However, he has amassed just 40 points in those fixtures at a points-per-game average of 1.48.

That figure is Arsenal’s lowest in a Premier League month in which they have played at least five times under Arteta.

Meanwhile, nine of their 51 league defeats during his tenure have been in April, representing 18 per cent of their total losses.

Another reverse at home to Newcastle United this weekend would see that figure rise above 19 per cent.

Arsenal can return to top spot by avoiding defeat at the Emirates Stadium, though.

City are only ahead of them on goals scored, with the two clubs level on points and goal difference with five matches remaining.

Arteta can take confidence from his home record against Newcastle, having never lost a Premier League meeting at the Emirates Stadium.

Their six matches in north London during Arteta’s time in charge have resulted in five home wins and a goalless draw.

Saka crucial to Arsenal success

Arsenal are set to once again be without Bukayo Saka on Saturday, though.

The England winger remains sidelined with an Achilles injury which has ruled him out of the last five matches in all competitions.

Saka is also expected to miss the first leg of the Gunners’ Champions League semi-final tie with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

A return has been earmarked for the visit of Fulham three days later on May 2.

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His importance to the side cannot be underestimated, with Arsenal yet to pick up a point during Saka’s absence.

The Gunners have a 73 per cent win ratio when Saka has started in the Premier League this season with 16 wins from 22 matches.

Meanwhile, Arteta’s side average 2.36 points-per-game when Saka is in the starting XI this term.

When the 24-year-old is absent, though, their win rate drops to 45 per cent and the points-per-game is just 1.64.

In 11 Premier League matches without Saka in the starting XI, Arsenal have picked up just five wins.

The academy graduate has also scored six goals and provided five assists in his 27 league outings this season.

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Saka is not the only injury absence Arteta has had to contend with as Mikel Merino remains out for the remainder of the season.

Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber could both return to action against Newcastle, though.