Arsène Wenger believes increased fitness levels plus the organised approach of visiting teams has made it harder to win at home.
Arsenal have dropped 17 Premier League points at Emirates Stadium this season, winning just three of seven league matches in N5 during 2016.
Wenger’s team averaged 2.16 points per home game in 2014/15, a figure that has dropped to 1.94 this term. The Gunners have scored less goals too, averaging 1.5 per game at home, in comparison to 2.16 last term.
"It’s linked a bit with the way our opponents play. They wait for you in the final third with 10 men"
“Our home form has not been exceptional,” Wenger said. “Our away form has been good.
“We did not score enough goals at home, especially against Crystal Palace with the amount of possession we had.
“We always look dangerous, dominating, but we are not efficient enough. Overall, we also gave a few leads away. That is quite disappointing.
“Some teams come now to the Emirates and play very, very deep and are quick on the break as well. Bolasie, Zaha [for Crystal Palace] can take the ball in their final third and go to your box. The physical power and potential of the teams has improved in the Premier League and it makes it more difficult.
“It’s linked a bit with the way our opponents play. They wait for you in the final third with 10 men.
“The teams last longer now. They do not die in the final 20 anymore. It’s the fitness and individual physical potential of the players.”
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