Arsenal’s Season at Stake: Can Arteta Fix Attack for Champions League?
As the month of February dawned, Arsenal delivered a resounding 5-1 victory over Manchester City, sending a clear signal of their intentions for the remainder of the season. However, the landscape has dramatically shifted as March begins. The Gunners find themselves grappling with a series of challenges, having been ousted from the Carabao Cup, lost a key striker to a season-ending injury, and facing a seemingly insurmountable 13-point gap in the Premier League standings against Liverpool.
With the Champions League last 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven looming large, Arsenal’s hopes for this season rest precariously on this competition. Unfortunately, the team enters the European knockout stages amidst a cloud of disappointment and uncertainty.
Arteta’s Dilemma: Attacking Woes
The recent setbacks, including a defeat to West Ham and a draw against Nottingham Forest, have left Arsenal in an offensive rut. For the first time in nearly two years, the Gunners have failed to score in consecutive Premier League matches, reflecting their second and third-worst performances of the season in terms of shots on target percentages. This stagnation has not gone unnoticed, with football pundit Gary Neville describing Arsenal’s current style as “rigid and turgid.”
A telling statistic emerges from Arsenal’s seven defeats this season, all occurring in matches where less than 28% of their shots hit the target. In contrast, the team remains unbeaten in all competitions when surpassing this threshold, underlining the critical importance of offensive efficiency.
Striking Woes and Makeshift Solutions
As injuries decimate Arsenal’s forward line, the squad faces an urgent need to address their attacking deficiencies. With key players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, the burden falls on remaining team members to fill the void. The absence of Saka, a proficient chance creator, exacerbates Arsenal’s woes, as highlighted by his standing as one of Europe’s top chance creators despite his extended absence.
In a desperate bid to secure goals, Arsenal has resorted to makeshift lineups, epitomized by fielding midfielder Merino as a lone striker and deploying defenders in unfamiliar midfield and attacking roles. This tactical juggling act underscores the team’s dire need for attacking reinforcements and a cohesive offensive strategy.
Despite the challenges, Arsenal can draw strength from their midfield’s past goal-scoring contributions, particularly exemplified by Declan Rice’s pivotal role in the team’s success last season. The emergence of Rice as a goal-scoring threat offers a glimmer of hope for Arsenal’s offensive revival, complemented by the creative prowess of captain Martin Odegaard.
Moreover, Arsenal’s proficiency in set pieces presents another avenue for goal-scoring opportunities, although recent statistics reveal a decline in their effectiveness in this area. The team’s overreliance on set-piece goals, as noted by set piece coach Nicolas Jover, underscores the need for a more diverse attacking strategy.
Amidst these challenges, Arsenal can take solace in their robust defensive record in the Champions League, boasting the best Expected Goals Conceded record this season. Manager Mikel Arteta emphasizes the importance of defensive solidity in achieving success in the competition while recognizing the team’s offensive potential.
As Arsenal’s best chance for silverware this season hinges on their Champions League campaign, the team must rally their resources and tactical acumen to overcome their attacking woes and mount a formidable challenge in Europe.
In the face of adversity, Arsenal’s resolve will be tested, but the team’s resilience and strategic adjustments may yet propel them to unforeseen heights in the Champions League. Arteta faces a daunting task, but with the right approach and a sprinkling of luck, the Gunners could salvage their season and reignite their pursuit of glory on the European stage.
