It is rare for a team to be challenging for the title without a forward in the conversation for team of the season, but it is difficult to argue against the fact that is where Arsenal are.
City’s Haaland and Antoine Semenyo will undoubtedly be in contention for the end-of-the-season awards while past title-winners have boasted the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero and Didier Droga.
Arsenal‘s available forward options of Gyokeres, Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, Eze and Gabriel Jesus undoubtedly have their strengths – but it feels a stretch to call any of them ruthless match-winners.
The all round play of Gyokeres has been questioned and he is often only effective against sides that aren’t at the top end of the table.
Havertz’s opening goal was his first of the season, Leandro Trossard has not scored for 22 games, Madueke has two league goals, while Eze has six – but five of those have come in two matches against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal were also without Bukayo Saka, who missed out with an Achilles injury, but despite usually being one of Arsenal‘s most reliable forwards, his numbers are down this season.
Arteta’s side have been criticised throughout the season for their style of play with their strengths being their threat from set-pieces and their excellence in defending the cornerstones.
At times throughout the season, Arsenal have struggled to create chances and that is reflected in their goals from open play.
Arsenal have 35.8 expected goals from open play this season – sixth in the league. Manchester City are second (42.1) with Chelsea top (43.2).
“Teams were starting to get scared of Arsenal‘s set-pieces,” former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“This is great when you get points but the more and more time goes on, you start to rely on this and start to feel comfortable with this. You don’t concede many goals, you don’t create many goals but you get those chances where you feel like you are going to score.
“The message you are giving is, ‘don’t worry guys, stay strong and if we get set-pieces we can count on that’.”
And the former defender thinks if Arsenal played with a different style, their forwards would flourish.
“The more time that goes on, the less you think about how you are going to create and hurt people,” he said.
“It’s not about playing ‘free football’ and scoring five goals but I do feel with the players they signed over the summer, they could damage any team if you give them that freedom.
“I have just felt over the last few weeks, it feels like they are just not trying to make mistakes rather than trying to take risks and going for the win.”
