What's Behind Arsenal's Struggling Attack and How Can Arteta Revive It?

Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column that combines data and opinion to shed light on key stories from the Premier League. This week, we're examining Arsenal's attacking woes and potential solutions. Despite their first-leg lead against Sporting, Arsenal's recent performances have been marred by vulnerability and a lack of fluency in attack. Mikel Arteta will hope to see an improvement against Manchester City on Sunday. However, with a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, the pressure is on City to win. Arteta's approach has come under scrutiny, with some questioning 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. The need for changes in forward areas became clear against Sporting, where the front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres failed to deliver. The trio has only won two of the last six games they've started together, and their selection leaves Arsenal lacking 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 the list. In contrast, Manchester City doesn't have a single player over the 30% mark. The game changed with Arsenal's substitutions, as players like Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus completed 89% of their passes, allowing Arsenal to play in Sporting's half. Arteta may be forced to change his team selection, with Madueke a doubt and Dowman potentially coming in. Havertz could provide the outlet Arsenal lacked, having endured an injury-hit season but showing effectiveness as a focal point against Sporting. He won more aerial duels and completed more passes than Gyokeres, showcasing his superiority as a targetman. Manchester City knows what Havertz can do, having been on the receiving end of his winner in the Champions League final and his starring role in Arsenal's 5-1 win last season. Deploying Havertz up front could give Arsenal's attack the balance it has lacked, while also giving Gyokeres a chance to make an impact as a substitute. Arsenal will inevitably need to fall back on their defense, but raising the technical level of their attack could hold the key to a positive result.