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, the focus is on Arsenal's attack, which has been underperforming despite the team's lead in the Premier League. Their recent Champions League quarter-final win over Sporting showcased both their defensive solidity and attacking struggles. Mikel Arteta will need to find a solution to this issue, especially with a crucial match against Manchester City looming.
The question is, can Arteta change the team's fortunes without altering his approach, or is it time for a new strategy? With injuries limiting his options and a perceived lack of risk-taking on the pitch, Arteta's tactics have come under intense scrutiny. The team's reliance on set-pieces and their inability to create open-play chances have raised concerns about their fluency and flair. Furthermore, the front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been working, with the trio struggling to retain possession high up the pitch.
According to Opta, Gyokeres has the second-highest rate of touches ending in possession losses among outfield players in the Premier League, with Martinelli and Madueke also ranking high on the list. This issue was evident in their game against Sporting, where the trio found it difficult to hold on to the ball, losing possession numerous times. The introduction of substitutes like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus improved Arsenal's control, with the new players completing a high percentage of their passes. Havertz, in particular, could be the key to solving Arsenal's attacking woes, given his ability to act as a focal point and retain possession.
His effectiveness as a targetman was on display against Sporting, where he won aerial duels and completed passes with ease. With Manchester City's quality and pressing structure, Arsenal will need to find a way to balance their attack and raise their technical level if they hope to emerge with a positive result. The game against City could also see the return of Granit Xhaka, who will face his former manager Unai Emery, now at Aston Villa. Xhaka's influence on Sunderland has been significant, and his return from injury has coincided with an upturn in form for the team.
As the Premier League action continues, other notable matches include Spurs vs Brighton, Everton vs Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest vs Burnley, all available to watch on Sky Sports.