What's Behind Arsenal's Struggling Attack and Can Arteta Find a Solution?

Welcome to The Radar, a column where Nick Wright combines data and opinion to explore key stories from the Premier League. This week, we examine Arsenal's issues in attack and how Mikel Arteta can address them. Arsenal's recent Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting saw them rely on their defense to progress, but their attack continues to struggle. Arteta's approach has come under scrutiny, with some questioning whether his risk-averse strategy has come at the cost of flair and fluency. Injuries have limited Arteta's options, but the need for changes in forward areas is clear. The front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not worked, with Arsenal winning only two of their last six games when this trio has started together. The trio's inability to retain possession has been a major issue, with Gyokeres losing the ball 246 times in the Premier League this season. By contrast, Manchester City do not have a single player with a possession loss rate over 30%. Arteta may be forced to change his team selection, with Havertz potentially providing the outlet they lack. Havertz has endured an injury-hit season but has shown his effectiveness as a focal point, winning aerial duels and completing passes. His deployment up front could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it has lacked, while also giving Gyokeres the chance to make an impact as a substitute. Arsenal will need to raise the technical level of their attack to emerge with a positive result against Manchester City. Elsewhere, Sunderland take on Aston Villa, with Granit Xhaka preparing to face Unai Emery, the manager who stripped him of the captaincy in 2019. Xhaka's return from injury has been a significant factor in Sunderland's upturn in form, and he can strengthen his case for signing of the season at Villa Park.