Shot-shy Gunners gazumped by Man Utd

Two points from the past nine available in the Premier League seems to tell a story. Then again, consider the current run of one defeat in the past 13 games, and maybe don't push the panic button just yet. Staggeringly, Arsenal don't have a single name in the top 20 Premier League scorers' charts.

Arsenal players after conceding
[Getty Images]

Some think Arsenal should go into panic mode after losing to Manchester United at home. Two points from the past nine available in the Premier League seems to tell a story. Then again, consider the current run of one defeat in the past 13 games, and maybe don't push the panic button just yet.

There is, however, the beginning of a concern about the forwards. Staggeringly, Arsenal don't have a single name in the top 20 Premier League scorers' charts. Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard both have five, miles behind Erling Haaland (20) and Igor Thiago (16) and 18 others.

The Gunners clearly prioritise winning free-kicks and corners, which suits their powerful defenders and midfielders, but you can't win the title using 'special-teams' alone, they have to get more from that frontline.

Mikel Arteta sees the problem, that is why he added Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to an already talented creative force. The problem appears to be that while Arsenal are successful because of the chaos they manufacture at set pieces, the open play can be too predictable against well-drilled Premier League defences.

Allowing and indeed promoting risk and originality in the final third will be their saving grace, if they can give their creators the freedom to do their thing.

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Category: General Sports