Get the latest insights from The Radar, a Sky Sports column that delves into the world of Premier League football using data and expert opinion. This week, we examine the issues with Arsenal's attack and how Mikel Arteta can address them.
Arsenal's recent Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting saw the team rely on their defense, but their attack continues to struggle. Arteta's approach has been scrutinized, with some questioning whether his risk-averse strategy has come at the cost of fluidity and flair. The team's reliance on set-pieces and defense has raised concerns, and the recent front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres has not been effective.
Injuries have limited Arteta's options, but changes are needed in forward areas. 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 high up the pitch. 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. Manchester City, by contrast, do not have a single player over the 30 percent mark.
The introduction of substitutes like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus improved Arsenal's control, completing 89 percent of their passes. Arteta may be forced to make changes to his team selection, with Madueke a doubt for the upcoming game against Manchester City.
Havertz could provide the outlet Arsenal lacks, having endured an injury-hit season but showing effectiveness as a focal point against Sporting. His deployment up front could help give Arsenal's attack the balance it has often lacked. Manchester City's quality means Arsenal will need to fall back on their defense, but raising the technical level of their attack could be key to a positive result. Other notable stories include Granit Xhaka's return from injury and his importance to Sunderland, and Chelsea loanee Tyrique George's potential to exploit Liverpool's vulnerability to counter-attacks.