Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column where Nick Wright combines data and opinion to shed light on key stories from the Premier League. This week, the focus is on Arsenal's attack, which has been underperforming, and how Mikel Arteta can address the issue.
Despite having a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal's inability to find offensive solutions could cost them against high-quality opponents like Manchester City. Arteta's approach has been scrutinized, with some arguing that his perceived aversion to risk has come at the expense of fluency and flair on the ball. The team's reliance on set-pieces and defense has also been questioned. Injuries have limited Arteta's options, but the need for changes in forward areas became clear after the recent game against Sporting.
The front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been effective, and their selection has left Arsenal lacking technical security to retain possession high up the pitch. According to Opta, Gyokeres has lost possession 246 times in the Premier League this season, with a high rate of touches ending in possession losses.
Martinelli and Madueke also rank high on the list. The game changed with Arsenal's substitutions, as players like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus brought technical quality, allowing Arsenal to play in Sporting's half during the closing stages. Arteta may need to make changes to his team selection, particularly with Madueke a doubt for the upcoming game against Manchester City. Havertz, who has endured an injury-hit season, can provide an outlet and give Arsenal the balance they have lacked.
His deployment up front could help raise the technical level of their attack, while also giving Gyokeres the chance to make an impact as a substitute. The match against Manchester City will be a significant test, and Arsenal will need to find a way to balance their defense with an improved attack to achieve a positive result.