Welcome to The Radar, a column by Nick Wright on Sky Sports that uses data and opinion to explore key stories in the Premier League. This week, we examine the issues with Arsenal's attack and potential solutions, as well as a player to watch this weekend.
Arsenal's lead in the Champions League quarter-final allowed them to focus on defense in the second leg against Sporting, showcasing their characteristic solidity. However, their attack continues to struggle.
Mikel Arteta may not need to make significant changes, given their six-point lead in the Premier League, but against a strong opponent like Manchester City, finding offensive solutions is crucial. Arteta's approach has been scrutinized, with some arguing that his risk-averse strategy has come at the cost of fluency and flair. Injuries have limited Arteta's options, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard among those doubtful for the upcoming game.
The front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been effective, with Arsenal winning only two of the last six games they've started together. The trio's inability to retain possession has been a significant issue, with Gyokeres losing possession 246 times in the Premier League this season. According to Opta, Gyokeres has the second-highest rate of touches ending in possession losses among outfield players. Martinelli and Madueke also rank high on this list.
In contrast, Manchester City does not have a single player with a possession loss rate over 30%. The game changed with Arsenal's substitutions, as players like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus demonstrated technical quality, allowing Arsenal to control the game. Arteta may be forced to make changes to his team selection, with Dowman potentially replacing Madueke.
Havertz could provide the outlet Arsenal has been lacking, having shown his effectiveness as a focal point against Sporting. He won more aerial duels and completed more passes than Gyokeres. Factoring in the last two seasons, Havertz's superiority to Gyokeres in duels and ball retention is evident. His deployment up front could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it has lacked.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is preparing to face his former manager, Unai Emery, with Sunderland taking on Aston Villa. Xhaka's return from injury has been significant for Sunderland, with their points per game average increasing from one to 1.5 when he starts. Chelsea loanee Tyrique George could be an option for Everton to exploit Liverpool's vulnerability to counter-attacks.
The upcoming weekend features several key matches, including Spurs vs Brighton, Aston Villa vs Sunderland, and Manchester City vs Arsenal.