I really wish they did Favor the Offense, they do not, they favor whoever has had more time and luck with Gear 😢
I tend to think I'd rather control the decisions than let the AI do it. I think that's an advantage.
That being said, sorry you are having a tough night in Arena. It'll get better soon, promise. I lost and lost and lost, and then I hit some magic speed threshold and everything got easier immediately.
Keep the faith. I know you can get there.