What's Behind Arsenal's Struggling Attack and How Can Arteta Revive It?

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 turn things around. Despite having a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal's attack has been misfiring, and Arteta's approach has come under scrutiny. The team's reliance on defense has been evident, but against top-quality opponents like Manchester City, they need to find offensive solutions. Injuries have limited Arteta's options, with Bukayo Saka ruled out and Martin Odegaard doubtful for the upcoming game. The front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been working, and their selection has left Arsenal lacking in technical security to retain possession high up the pitch. The trio has contributed 36 goals this season but has struggled with ball retention, losing possession frequently. 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, bringing in players like Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, who completed 89% of their passes and allowed Arsenal to play in Sporting's half. Arteta may be forced to change his team selection, with Dowman potentially coming in and Havertz providing an outlet as a focal point. Havertz has endured an injury-hit season but has shown his effectiveness as a target man, winning aerial duels and completing passes. His deployment up front could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it has lacked. Manchester City's quality means Arsenal will need to fall back on their defense, but raising the technical level of their attack could be key to a positive result. Other stories in the Premier League include Sunderland's run of three wins from four, with Granit Xhaka's return from injury being a significant factor. Chelsea loanee Tyrique George has struggled for playing time at Everton but could be an option to exploit Liverpool's vulnerability to counter-attacks.