Kevin Campbell has now highlighted the five Arsenal players, including Bukayo Saka, who are holding Mikel Arteta’s team back following the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Everton.
The Emirates Stadium natives claimed their first win at Goodison Park since 2017 on Sunday via Leandro Trossard’s wonder goal. Arteta introduced the 28-year-old for Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazilian’s injury midway through the first half. He would fire home on 69 minutes.
It was the Belgian’s first goal in the Premier League since February, as well. Trossard had just scored once in the top-flight since his move from Brighton & Hove Albion this January. He hit home against Brentford before laying on 10 assists through 20 games to see out the season.
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Despite only Saka offering Arsenal more assists than Trossard last season with 11, Arteta has opted against relying on Trossard. Sunday’s visit to Merseyside only returned his third outing of the campaign so far. It also doubled the attacker’s minutes for the season from 62 to 128.
Saka is, again, leading the way for assists at Emirates Stadium this term with two in Arsenal’s first five fixtures. Fabio Vieira and Martinelli also have two assists ahead of William Saliba on one. While Saka, Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odegaard lead their scoring chart with two goals.
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Campbell feels Arsenal’s attackers are holding them back
Arsenal are now fourth in the Premier League standings and sit two points behind title rivals, Manchester City, after Trossard sealed their 1-0 win at Everton. But Arteta’s team are still yet to discover their best form. The Gunners have not been entirely convincing during any game.
The north Londoners have given up many chances to score and are not firing on all cylinders in attack. Campbell feels Arteta’s frontline, in particular, is holding Arsenal back as Saka and co are not clicking. He feels a lack of cohesion is [reventing Arsenal from finding their peak.
“A fantastic goal by Trossard and it was 1-0 to the Arsenal,” Campbell told Highbury Squad. “Disappointing for Everton. Arsenal are playing at 60, 65% capacity because as an attacking force, we’re not there yet.
“Saka isn’t quite there, Martinelli, Trossard, Eddie, [Gabriel] Jesus, that’s the part of the team we need to click.”