Mikel Arteta may buy a striker this month, but one player does not solve Arsenal’s issues as another title slips away

In the realm of modern football, there are few clubs that have faced such high expectations and widespread scrutiny as Arsenal. Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the club has seen an unprecedented transformation, rising from mid-table obscurity to a legitimate contender for the Premier League title. However, despite the significant progress, Arsenal’s journey this season has been marred by a series of setbacks, both on and off the pitch, that have threatened their aspirations of securing the elusive Premier League title.

One of the most glaring issues facing Arsenal at this point in the season is the ongoing struggle with injuries. The team’s reliance on a core group of players, many of whom have been unavailable due to injuries, has exposed the fragility of their squad. In their recent clash against Aston Villa, a game in which they appeared to be in full control, Arsenal’s lack of depth and injury problems became evident. Despite taking a commanding two-goal lead, they found themselves unable to hold onto the advantage, ultimately drawing 2-2. This result was particularly damaging, as it further increased the gap between them and the league leaders, Liverpool. With Arsenal now six points adrift, and having played one more match than their rivals, the task of overcoming this deficit seems increasingly unlikely.

The frustrations surrounding Arsenal’s season are further compounded by the ongoing search for a striker, a key area where many fans and pundits believe the team is lacking. The absence of a prolific goal scorer, someone capable of converting chances into goals with regularity, has been a major point of discussion in recent months. Despite Arteta’s insistence that the team needs an out-and-out striker, the club’s failure to sign one during the transfer window has raised questions about the depth and ambition of Arsenal’s squad. While it is true that Arteta’s system relies heavily on a collective effort from all players, the absence of a clinical forward has been felt in crucial moments of the season.

However, the issues at Arsenal go far beyond just a lack of a world-class striker. While a new signing could certainly help address some of the immediate concerns, the bigger picture is one of squad depth and overall resilience. For all of the investment made in the squad over the past few years, Arsenal’s ability to cope with the demands of a grueling Premier League season remains in question. The injuries to key players such as Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba have highlighted the vulnerability of a squad that is heavily reliant on a select few. When these players are unavailable, Arsenal’s depth is exposed, and the team struggles to maintain its momentum.

The match against Aston Villa highlighted the weaknesses in Arsenal’s squad. Despite having two goals on the board, their defensive fragility came to the fore in the second half, allowing Villa to capitalize on errors and claw their way back into the game. In particular, mistakes from key players such as Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino played a pivotal role in the collapse. The team’s inability to close out matches and maintain focus has been a recurring issue throughout the season, with similar problems arising in their recent exits from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

In addition to the injuries and squad depth concerns, Arsenal’s current predicament also raises questions about the broader direction of the club under Arteta. Since taking charge in December 2019, Arteta has overseen a substantial overhaul of the squad, with around £700 million spent on new players. This significant investment was meant to propel the team to the next level, yet it has not yielded the immediate results that many had hoped for. Despite impressive individual performances and moments of brilliance, Arsenal has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations. The inability to secure crucial wins against teams like Aston Villa, as well as the setbacks in cup competitions, has left fans and pundits questioning whether the team has what it takes to compete for the title.

It is also worth noting that Arsenal’s struggles are not solely a result of internal factors. The competition in the Premier League this season has been fierce, with Manchester City and Liverpool continuing to set the standard. While City may also be facing injury concerns, their squad depth remains a significant advantage. The addition of players like Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, and Ilkay Gundogan, as well as the ongoing pursuit of further reinforcements, has allowed City to weather the storm when key players are unavailable. Similarly, Liverpool, despite their own injury issues, demonstrated their strength in depth by turning to £85 million signing Darwin Nunez, who scored twice in injury time to secure a dramatic win against Brentford. These examples highlight the disparity in squad resources between Arsenal and their title rivals.

For Arsenal to close the gap and mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title, significant improvements are needed both in terms of squad depth and mentality. The team must be able to cope with the demands of a long season, where injuries and fatigue are inevitable. This means not only investing in quality signings but also ensuring that there is sufficient strength in depth to compete across multiple fronts. The recent failures in cup competitions further underscore the need for Arsenal to strengthen their squad and build a team that is capable of maintaining its performance levels over the course of a full season.

While the pursuit of a top striker remains a priority, it is clear that Arsenal’s problems are more nuanced than simply signing a single player. The team must address its defensive vulnerabilities, improve its ability to close out games, and ensure that the squad can cope with the rigors of a long and demanding season. Moreover, Arteta must find a way to instill a winning mentality in his players, ensuring that they are able to maintain focus and composure in critical moments.

In conclusion, Arsenal’s title hopes have been dealt a significant blow by a combination of injuries, lack of depth, and inconsistent performances. While the search for a new striker may provide some short-term relief, the bigger challenge lies in building a squad that is capable of competing at the highest level for an entire season. With the gap to the top widening and their rivals strengthening, Arsenal faces an uphill battle to reclaim their place at the summit of English football. However, with the right additions and a shift in mentality, the club can still aspire to greater success in the years to come. As Arteta continues to navigate the challenges ahead, it will be crucial for Arsenal to find the right balance between squad depth, quality, and consistency if they are to fulfill their ambitions and end their long wait for a Premier League title.