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 explore key Premier League stories. This week, the focus is on Arsenal's attacking woes and potential solutions. Despite their first-leg lead against Sporting, Arsenal's performance highlighted the need for improvement in their attack. Mikel Arteta will hope to see defensive solidity against Manchester City, but their attacking struggles are a concern. Arteta's approach has been scrutinized, with some arguing that his risk-averse strategy has come at the cost of fluidity and flair. Personnel issues, including injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, have limited Arteta's options. The front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been effective, with Arsenal winning only two of their last six games together. The trio's inability to retain possession has been a significant issue, with Gyokeres losing the ball 246 times in the Premier League this season. By contrast, Manchester City's players have a much lower rate of possession loss. The introduction of substitutes like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus improved Arsenal's control and technical quality. Arteta may be forced to make changes to his team selection, with Havertz potentially providing the outlet they need. The 26-year-old has been effective as a focal point, winning aerial duels and completing passes. His deployment up front could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it lacks. Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is set to face his former manager Unai Emery, and his return from injury has been crucial to Sunderland's upturn in form. Other key matches include Spurs vs Brighton, Everton vs Liverpool, and Manchester City vs Arsenal.