Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column where Nick Wright analyzes the Premier League using data and opinion. This week, the focus is on Arsenal's attacking woes and potential solutions. Despite having a six-point lead in the Premier League, Arsenal's offense has been underperforming, and manager Mikel Arteta is under pressure to make changes.
The team's recent performance against Sporting was a reminder of the need for improvement, with their front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres failing to click. Injuries have limited Arteta's options, but the need for changes in forward areas is clear. 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 Martinelli and Madueke also ranking high on the list. The introduction of substitutes like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus has brought more control to the game, and Arteta may be forced to make changes to his team selection. Havertz, in particular, could provide the outlet Arsenal lacks, having endured an injury-hit season but showing reminders of his effectiveness as a focal point.
His deployment up front could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it has lacked, and his technical quality could allow the team to play in Manchester City's half during Sunday's game. The match against Manchester City will be a test of Arsenal's defense, but raising the technical level of their attack could be the key to emerging with a positive result.