The Issues With Arsenal's Attack and Arteta's Potential Solutions

Get the latest insights from The Radar, a Sky Sports column that combines data analysis and expert opinion to shed light on key Premier League stories. This week, the focus is on Arsenal's struggling attack and how Mikel Arteta can address the issue. Despite their first-leg lead against Sporting, Arsenal's performance highlighted the need for improvement in their offensive play. Arteta's approach has come under scrutiny, with questions raised about his perceived aversion to risk and the team's reliance on set-pieces. Injuries have also limited Arteta's options, with Bukayo Saka ruled out and Martin Odegaard doubtful for the upcoming game against Manchester City. The front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been effective, and their selection has left Arsenal lacking the technical security to retain possession. 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 this list. The introduction of substitutes like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus improved Arsenal'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 help give Arsenal's attack the balance it has lacked. Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is preparing to face his former manager Unai Emery, and his return from injury has been a significant factor in Sunderland's upturn in form. Other players to watch include Tyrique George, who could exploit Liverpool's vulnerability to counter-attacks, and Alejandro Garnacho, who was discussed in the previous column.