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By JAMES SHARPE Published: 09: 31 AEDT, 10 November 2024 | Updated: 10: 21 AEDT, 10 November 2024 1 View comments Arsenal have always moved forwards under Mikel Arteta and his trusted ‘process’. Just look at the improvements in both attack and defence. With each passing campaign, they had more shots and they conceded fewer.   And now, at last, this was the season that the Gunners would take the final next step and win the title. Only they have gone backwards. Last season, only Manchester City faced fewer shots and only the champions and Liverpool attempted more themselves.   Over the first 10 games this term,  Fulham, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace have bettered them on both counts. Injuries, red cards and suspensions have all played their part in Arsenal’s struggles but, so far, this is not an Arteta team rising again and, in their current form, not one that will win the title. It’s only natural for a team to rely on their best player. Arsenal’s dependence on Bukayo Saka this season, however, in the absence of the injured Martin Odegaard, has moved into over-reliance.   More than half of Arsenal’s chances have come down Saka’s right flank, while the Gunners are creating much less through the middle where Odegaard usually thrives. With Arteta’s skipper back from injury, it’s a real chance for him to lift the burden on Saka’s shoulders. Martin Odegaard returned to the pitch on Wednesday after nearly two months on the sidelines His return should ease the burden on Bukayo Saka, who the Gunners are over-reliant on Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group