Arsenal conceded two goals in the run-up to half-time after taking an early two-goal lead themselves, continuing a worrying trend this season.
It was a damming performance that demonstrated their weaknesses defensively as well as their ability to shut off when they should be concentrating.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Arsenal were at their most dangerous as the break approached, but now it seems that is when they are at their most vulnerable as this stat shows:
Arsenal have conceded 12 goals in the 15 minutes leading up to half time – more than any other team in the Premier League.
— Orbinho (@Orbinho) April 9, 2016
With Carroll’s first two goals coming in the 44th and 47th minute of the first half, it seems as if Arsenal were already mentally in the dressing room.
That he scored his third just seven minutes into the second half (after Arsenal were lucky to watch a third disallowed a minute earlier) means they were probably still mentally in the dressing room then as well.
Very poor all round.