Mikel Arteta’s reign so far as Arsenal manager has shown that solving the Gunners’ problem might take up to two or three years. The Spaniard has led Arsenal to 9 matches in all competition and with a couple of changes seen thus far, it’s evident that the former Arsenal captain will need much time to do wonders at the club.
In one of our previous write-up on Arsenal, it was stated emphatically that making a great captain as a player for a club does not translate to becoming a brilliant manager; up till now, one major factor which has become an impediment to Arsenal’s progress on the EPL log has been their inability to score goals – despite having the joint highest goal scorer of last season in their ranks.
Under Emery, Arsenal’s rates of shots taken was a bearable 12.5 but have drastically reduced since the appointment of Arteta. Perhaps most Arsenal faithful are oblivious of the fact that on paper, the changes haven’t been much felt but when the team sets out to play, some fans of the North London Outfit relish the time spent watching Arsenal play.
However, Arsenal now takes fewer shots under Arteta (9.6 according to Opta). Obviously, Arsenal’s shyness of shots has been a major challenge as they are yet to score more than two goals in each of their 9 games under Arteta. (Something the Spaniard definitely must be worried about). Their best game under Arteta is the game against United at the Emirates.
With some improved performance witnessed so far from Arsenal under Arteta, why has it been so difficult to get goals?
Trying to fix Auba and Laca together to Spearhead Arsenal’s attack.
The duo Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have produced superb numbers together for Arsenal. Interestingly, the pair have both produced 170 goals for Arsenal (scoring 85 each) since the start of the 2014-15 season but unfortunately, the two partners haven’t enjoyed rosy times recently.
In solving this, The Manager (Mikel Arteta) must make Lacazette the only striker upfront, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Aubameyang can be operating from the left flanks, to give room for more effective deliveries.
The kind of Midfielders the club Possess
The main problem for Arsenal in the middle of the pack is their dearth of No8 playmakers in the team. The only player that comes to mind is Dani Ceballos but his lack of fitness, minutes and favor under Arteta has made life extremely difficult for the Real Madrid loanee. Hence making Mesut Ozil a temporary occupant of the position in the Arsenal squad.
Basically, Arsenal’s current midfield is suited to play a 4-2-3-1 formation to occupy Granit Xhaka or Lucas Torreira and create more space for the wingers and attackers to add more fluid to the attack.
Solving the Ozil Perplexity
This is a Player that was practically isolated in Emery’s era but has suddenly become more engaged and active; going as far as starting all the league games under his former teammate. This means, based on the type of the central midfielders the club parade, Ozil should be saddled with the responsibility of leading Arsenal’s midfield to cause havoc for opponents.
The 2-0 win against United is Ozil’s best game of the season and considering his amazing performance against Burnley over the weekend, it shows that his quality cannot be underestimated and a Player that can still perform for the Gunners.
