Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column where Nick Wright combines data and opinion to shed light on key Premier League stories. This week, we examine Arsenal's attack, which has been underperforming, and explore possible solutions for Mikel Arteta. Despite having a six-point lead in the Premier League, Arsenal's inability to score has raised concerns, particularly against top opponents like Manchester City.
Arteta's approach has been scrutinized, with some arguing that his risk-averse strategy has come at the cost of creativity and fluidity. The team's reliance on set pieces and defense has also been questioned.
Injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have limited Arteta's options, but the need for changes in the forward line is evident. The current front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been effective, with the team 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 43.5% of the time, the second-highest rate in the league. Martinelli and Madueke also struggle with ball retention, which has led to a lack of clarity in the final third. The introduction of substitutes like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus has improved the team's control and technical quality. Havertz, in particular, has shown his effectiveness as a focal point, winning aerial duels and completing passes.
His deployment up front could give Arsenal's attack the balance it needs. Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka's return from injury has been crucial for Sunderland, who face Aston Villa on Sunday. Xhaka's influence on the team is evident, with Sunderland's points per game average increasing significantly when he starts. Other notable matches this weekend include Spurs vs.
Brighton, Everton vs. Liverpool, and Manchester City vs. Arsenal.