Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column where Nick Wright uses data and opinion to shed light on key Premier League stories. This week, we examine Arsenal's attack, which continues to struggle despite their first-leg lead against Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final.
Mikel Arteta will hope to see the same defensive solidity against Manchester City on Sunday, but their performance against Sporting highlighted the need for improvement in attack. With a six-point lead in the Premier League, the pressure is on City to win, but Arsenal's lack of offensive solutions could prove costly. Arteta's approach has been scrutinized, with some questioning his perceived aversion to risk and reliance on set-pieces.
Injuries have limited his options, with Bukayo Saka ruled out and Martin Odegaard doubtful. The front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not worked, with Arsenal winning only two of their last six games together.
The trio's inability to retain possession has been a major issue, with Gyokeres losing possession 246 times in the Premier League this season. Substitutions changed the game against Sporting, with players like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus completing 89% of their passes. Havertz could provide the outlet Arsenal lacks, having endured an injury-hit season but showing reminders of his effectiveness as a focal point.
His deployment up front on Sunday could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it needs, while also giving Gyokeres a chance to make an impact as a substitute. Manchester City's quality means Arsenal will need to fall back on their defense, but raising the technical level of their attack could hold the key to a positive result.