Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column where Nick Wright uses data and opinion to shed light on key stories from the Premier League. This week, we're focusing on Arsenal's issues in attack and how Mikel Arteta can address them. After securing a spot in the Champions League semi-finals, Arsenal will face Manchester City on Sunday, and their attack will be put to the test.
Despite having a six-point lead in the Premier League, Arsenal's misfiring attack is a concern, and Arteta's approach has come under scrutiny. With injuries limiting his options, Arteta may need to make changes in forward areas.
The current front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been effective, and Arsenal have only won two of the last six games they've started together. The trio's inability to retain possession has been a problem, with Gyokeres losing the ball 246 times in the Premier League this season. In contrast, Manchester City's players have a much lower rate of possession loss. Arteta may be forced to change his team selection, with Kai Havertz potentially providing the outlet Arsenal lack.
Havertz has been effective as a focal point, winning aerial duels and completing passes. His deployment up front on Sunday could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it needs.
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 key matches this weekend include Spurs vs Brighton, Aston Villa vs Sunderland, and Everton vs Liverpool.