Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford highlighted the significant work ahead for the club. While acquiring a top-class striker remains a priority, their struggles in attack go beyond simply filling the No. 9 role. A broader approach is needed to return to genuine title contention, especially as Liverpool seem on course to secure this season’s trophy.
Here are five reasons Arsenal require more than just a new striker to challenge at the top again.
1. Lack of Creativity in the Final Third
Arsenal’s issues are not just about missing chances they struggle to create them in the first place. Their possession-dominant style often fails against teams that sit deep and defend compactly. Without players who can break down stubborn defenses with vision and precision, the attack remains blunt.
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have been inconsistent this season, with Ødegaard frequently dropping too deep to influence the game in advanced areas. His left-footed preference has also become predictable, limiting his effectiveness. Meanwhile, Rice, despite his overall contribution, lacks the incisive passing needed to unlock defenses. His set-piece delivery against Manchester United was particularly poor, showing the need for more creativity in midfield.
2. Over-Reliance on Wingers
While the returns of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka bolster Arsenal’s wide attacking options, the over-dependence on their creativity is concerning. Without a dynamic midfield to support them, they often face double and triple marking, limiting their effectiveness.
Against Manchester United, much of the creative burden fell on 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who, despite his talent, showed his inexperience at this level. It’s evident that Arsenal need more central playmakers to ease the pressure on their wingers and diversify their attacking approach.
3. A Shift in Arsenal’s Identity
Arsenal once thrived on fielding multiple creative playmakers, with the likes of Cesc Fàbregas and Tomáš Rosický dictating games. Under Mikel Arteta, the team has leaned toward physicality and defensive stability, but the lack of a natural creator in midfield has made them predictable.
While a strong defensive structure is crucial, Arsenal must find a better balance between resilience and attacking fluidity. Their current approach lacks the inventive spark that once defined the club, and adding a technically gifted playmaker should be a priority.
4. Declining Efficiency from Set Pieces
Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces as a source of goals has diminished. While Rice’s stunning equalizer against Manchester United was a highlight, such moments are rare, and the team cannot depend solely on dead-ball situations to secure results.
The team’s creativity in open play has declined, making it easier for opponents to nullify their attacking threat. Developing a more varied attacking strategy, with movement and unpredictability in the final third, is essential to maintain pressure on opposing defenses.
5. The Modern Midfield Puzzle
Declan Rice was Arsenal’s standout performer against Manchester United, but the team still lacks a true central playmaker. Balancing defensive solidity with attacking ingenuity remains a challenge, and Arteta must find the right profile to complement Rice in midfield.
In his final season at the club, Granit Xhaka thrived in a more advanced No. 8 role, adding goals and assists while arriving late in the box to contribute offensively. His ability to bridge midfield and attack was invaluable, and Arsenal have yet to replace that element in their game. Rice, while excellent in a defensive role, has not provided the same attacking thrust, highlighting the need for another creative midfielder.
To close the gap on Premier League leaders, Arsenal need a comprehensive solution to their attacking struggles. The experience of their incoming sporting director, Andrea Berta, who helped build a tactically adaptable squad at Atlético Madrid, could be key in reshaping the team. However, signing a striker alone won’t be enough reigniting Arsenal’s creative spark in midfield must be a top priority.
