Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven opinion column where Nick Wright dissects the Premier League's most pressing narratives. This week’s focus is on Arsenal’s offensive woes and the tactical options Mikel Arteta has at his disposal as the Gunners prepare for a showdown with Manchester City. Arsenal entered the Champions League quarter‑final second leg against Sporting CP with a first‑leg advantage, allowing them to sit back and rely on a compact defence. The tactical shift paid off, and the team secured a place in the last four.
However, the match also highlighted a glaring deficiency: the attack is still unable to produce a consistent threat. While the defensive unit showed the solidity that has become a hallmark of Arteta’s side, the forward line appeared disjointed, inefficient and, at times, downright chaotic. The immediate question is whether Arteta needs to overhaul his approach or simply wait for the league leaders, Manchester City, to make a mistake. Arsenal sit six points clear at the top of the table, which suggests that the pressure is on City to win.
Yet, against a side of City’s calibre, relying solely on defensive resilience is a risky proposition if the Gunners cannot generate enough quality chances to win outright. Critics have begun to question Arteta’s philosophy, accusing him of favouring safety over creativity. Has a perceived aversion to risk sacrificed fluidity and flair? Are set‑piece routines being prioritised at the expense of open‑play chance creation?
And, perhaps most importantly, is Arsenal leaning too heavily on its back line while neglecting the need for a dynamic, technically proficient attack? Injury concerns compound the problem. Bukayo Saka is confirmed out for Sunday’s league clash, and Martin Ødegaard remains doubtful.
The lack of depth in the attacking department was starkly evident against Sporting, where Arteta persisted with a front three of Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyökeres. That trio has struggled to find cohesion; in six starts together they have managed only two victories, one of which required a late substitute strike from Kai Havertz to clinch a Carabao Cup semi‑final win over Chelsea. Individually, the three forwards are capable of causing trouble. Between them they have contributed 36 goals this season, and each possesses the pace to stretch defences.
However, when deployed simultaneously they lack the technical composure required to retain possession in the final third. Declan Rice summed up the issue after the Sporting match: "It’s about doing the basics to a better level, just the five‑yard passes that we’re giving away a bit sloppily." His midfield partner Martin Zubimendi added that the team has "lacked a little bit of clarity in the final third." Statistical analysis underscores the point.
Viktor Gyökeres has lost possession 246 times in the Premier League this season, with a staggering 43.5% of his touches ending in a turnover – the second‑highest rate among outfield players. Martinelli and Madueke are not far behind, with loss‑rates of 38.9% and 36.1% respectively. By contrast, every Manchester City outfield player stays below the 30% threshold. Gyökeres’ passing accuracy against Sporting was a mere five successful passes from nine attempts, while Martinelli and Madueke each surrendered the ball 12 and 17 times respectively.
The second‑half substitutions changed the complexion of the game, not through a burst of creativity but via improved ball retention. Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus combined for an 89% pass‑completion rate, allowing Arsenal to dominate possession in Sporting’s half during the closing stages.
This illustrates how a higher‑quality technical presence can stabilize the team’s play and relieve pressure on the defence. Looking ahead to the Etihad, Arsenal will likely need a similar level of composure to survive Manchester City’s relentless pressing. Pep Guardiola’s side is adept at disrupting supply lines, often positioning a front four that blocks passing lanes and forces opponents into long, low‑percentage balls.
When Arsenal’s front line cannot hold onto the ball, City’s pressure becomes overwhelming, as seen in the Carabao Cup final where Arsenal were unable to mount a sustained response. Arteta now faces a selection dilemma. Noni Madueke is a doubt after sustaining a knee knock against Sporting, while the versatile Kai Havertz, despite an injury‑plagued season, offers a more reliable outlet. Havertz’s recent performances suggest he could be the missing link.
In the first leg of the Sporting tie, he not only scored the decisive goal but also won more aerial duels than any other player on the pitch (three) and completed 15 passes – three times as many as Gyökeres. Over the past two Premier League seasons, Havertz’s numbers in duels and ball retention consistently outpace Gyökeres, confirming his superiority as a target man. Havertz’s pedigree is well‑known: he netted the winning goal in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph over Manchester City and was instrumental in Arsenal’s 5‑1 demolition of the same opponents at the Emirates in February 2023, providing an assist for Ødegaard’s opener and scoring the fourth himself.
His ability to link play, win aerial battles and retain possession makes him a valuable asset in a match where Arsenal may need to sit deep and hit City on the counter. If Havertz starts, it could free up Gyökeres to act as an impact sub, exploiting tired legs later in the game. The Gunners will still have to brace for periods of defensive concentration against City’s quality, but raising the technical standard of the attack could be the difference between a narrow win and a costly draw. Another storyline this week involves Arsenal’s captaincy.
Declan Rice has worn the armband in the last two fixtures, while former skipper Granit Xhaka prepares to face his old manager Unai Emery at Sunderland. Xhaka’s return from an ankle injury has revitalised Sunderland’s form; the team averages 1.5 points per game when he starts, compared with just one point without him. His increased touches and passing volume against Tottenham highlighted the ball‑playing qualities that Spurs have been missing. Xhaka’s performances could reignite discussions about his suitability for a leadership role at Arsenal.
In other Premier League news, Tyrique George, on loan from Chelsea to Everton, impressed with his pace and directness in a comeback draw against Brentford, prompting manager David Moyes to promise more minutes. He may become a useful option for Liverpool’s counter‑attack in the upcoming Merseyside derby. Finally, the broadcast schedule: Saturday’s Roberto De Zerbi derby sees Tottenham host Brighton, while Sunday’s Super Sunday line‑up features Aston Villa vs Sunderland, Everton vs Liverpool and Nottingham Forest vs Burnley, culminating in the 4.30pm Manchester City‑Arsenal clash.
Monday Night Football pits Crystal Palace against West Ham. In summary, Arsenal’s defensive solidity remains a strength, but the attack’s inability to retain the ball and create clear‑cut chances threatens to undermine their title ambitions. Whether Arteta opts for a tactical tweak, a personnel change – perhaps introducing Havertz as a starter and using Gyökeres off the bench – or simply relies on the opposition’s errors, the outcome will hinge on improving the technical quality of the forward line while managing the inevitable injury constraints.