Arsenal tactics: How Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are playing like a Jose Mourinho team
Regardless, Arsenal’s headlines are inevitable at the moment and the numbers are clear: they need a ruthless striker to overcome their reliance on set-pieces.
We’ve known this for a while, but over the past week, the spotlight has become even more intense. We’ve even compiled our own list of available January signings here .
A north London derby victory could kick off their 2025 campaign, but the same problems persisted thanks to a set-piece own goal and Leandro Trossard’s fortuitous shot past Tottenham goalkeeper Anthony Kinski.
Arsenal have scored two goals from 63 shots against Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, with an expected goals against (xG) of 7.83.
All three games were decided by set-piece chances and big mistakes, but the clearest example came against Newcastle when Kai Havertz squandered a golden opportunity and, at the other end, Alexander Isak produced the kind of performance that Arsenal are known for. A lack of callousness.
The Gunners missed all six “great chances”. The Magpies scored twice.
This was even more true in the penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup. Dalot was sent off in the 61st minute. Arteta said after the game: “In 1,000 games (like this) you will lose one.” The field is this one.”
Maybe that’s true, but when it keeps happening, you have to question whether Arsenal lack composure and composure in crucial moments, especially when extra goals are needed as a buffer.
They have scored in five of their seven Premier League draws this season. German Havertz, who scored less than expected in xG for the fourth time in five seasons, is not a player who can finish games.
So, Arsenal are good at corner kicks, but they don’t have Isak. This isn’t exactly breaking news.
But analyzing the underlying numbers suggests there is more to Arsenal’s problems than meets the eye.
