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IAN WRIGHT summed up Arsenal’s situation perfectly, slumped in his seat at the Emirates in the aftermath of another goalless viewing: “We need a killer”.
The Gunners legend – who banged in 185 goals for the club – is spot on.
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GettyMikel Arteta’s side have one win in their last seven in all competitions, but more worryingly, have had 48 shots in their last two home outings without hitting the back of the net.
The Spaniard has tried three different strikers in their last three games, producing just one goal: Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz. None of them are seemingly “killers”.
The answer, in the eyes of the fans, is to buy one. One punter in front of the press box during Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool persistently screamed: “GET A STRIKER!”.
For Arteta, he repeated again on Sunday night: “One thing is what we need and another is what we do. I beg the supporters to stick behind the ones we have”.
As things stand currently, the short-term picture is clear: He must keep faith with Havertz, Nketiah cannot be trusted and a January saviour is appearing more and more unlikely.
THE HAVERTZ CONUNDRUM
German international Havertz – a £65m summer signing from Chelsea – did everything but score in a performance that summed up why he is so infuriating to watch and admire.
The 24-year-old displayed all the attributes that led Arteta to taking a gamble on the former Stamford Bridge forward in a barnstorming, crazy first half against Liverpool.
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The ex-Chelsea star had six shots but failed to score with any of themIncredibly, he amassed FIVE huge chances in the first half alone, and an optimist would suggest that could bode well for the rest of the season.
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His link-up play provided the perfect platform for those around him. Just 10 seconds into the game, a controlled a long ball and laid off to Reiss Nelson on the turn.
Aerially, standing at 6ft4, he is a dominant figure, winning flick-ons galore and anticipates contact well, while his intelligent movement and positioning led to Nelson’s first chance after three minutes.
After the break, he turned provider, showing his deft passing ability with a perfectly-weighted cross from a clever set-piece that should have been converted.
Havertz was able to create chances for his team-mates, but he was also guilty of losing the ball on some occasionsBut then we see the pessimist’s view of Havertz – he wastes chances like nothing else. He is not an instinctive finisher.
On two occasions last night, he took three touches before a shot, both of which were tame, limp efforts.
And when he has a header on goal, it is never finished off with any anger. In the 38th minute, from a Bukayo Saka corner, his glanced effort should have been buried.
Despite all this, with Havertz down the middle, at times in the first 45 minutes Arsenal looked back to their fluid, electric best.
By the law of averages, his contributions will eventually lead to goals, which is why Arteta has no choice but to stick with Havertz for the foreseeable future.
The Germany international appeared to change roles during the second half, playing as a provider rather than an out-and-out goalscorer
Havertz dropped back into midfield at timesNKETIAH HAS MISSED THE BOAT
After Jesus’ glaring headed miss among 30 wasted team efforts in a 2-0 Prem defeat to West Ham on December 28, Nketiah was given a golden chance to lead the line three days later.
The result? A performance Arteta described as the worst of the season in a 2-1 loss away at Fulham with Nketiah an anonymous figure throughout the entire 90 minutes.
This was a woeful team display, but one that unfortunately highlighted why Arteta still does not trust Nketiah to seize the initiative and grab a starting spot at Arsenal.
The England striker may have five Prem goals to his name this campaign, but three of those came in a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United in October.
The other two came in August. It is why he has started just 10 games league games all season. Arteta does not see him as the answer to Arsenal’s problems.
GettyWhile Nketiah has a poacher’s eye for goal, he lacks the physicality to dominate most top flight centre backs and not capable of turning a game on its head with a moment of brilliance.
Left on the bench yet again versus Liverpool, he was brought on with nine minutes remaining – after Jakub Kiwior’s own goal – and barely got a sniff.
He is a valuable squad player, key for Arteta when he needs to rotate or chuck on another forward to try force a result, but nothing more it seems.
Nketiah has been linked with a move away this month with Crystal Palace interested.
While Arsenal have no intention to sell without a permanent offer too good to turn down, it would be a surprise to see the player still at the club by the start of next season if his game time continues to be staggered and inconsistent.
TONEY DREAMS UNLIKELY TO COME TRUE
Arsenal need a new striker. This is nothing new. But, while the fans demand that be solved now, reality paints a different picture entirely.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney is top of the wish list, but with a value between £80m and £100m, it prices Arsenal out.
PAIn fact, with Financial Fair Play worries, any incoming ‘world class’ striker is very unlikely this month.
Last summer’s spend of over £200m on the likes of Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber leave the club needing to sell first before opening their wallet once more.
The £3m loan of Bees keeper David Raya is also problematic, with Arsenal needing to pay £27m for the permanent transfer by the end of the season.
Should significant funds become available by selling several players, that situation could change, but Arteta has already suggested he wants to keep the likes of Nketiah, Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe.
And if Jesus’ reoccurring knee injury is worse than first feared, a loan option may be forced upon them.
SunSport understands that the North London club would rather wait until the summer to get their man than bring in an interim solution that is not at the level required.
Arteta said: “At the moment [signing a striker] does not look realistic.
“What my job is, and what we have to do is improve our players and try to get better results with the players we have.”
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