Michael Owen thinks it is ‘quite scary’ that Arsenal’s attackers have managed to score just one goal from open play in a combined total of 75 Premier League matches.
Arsenal’s attackers have struggled recently, with Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard and Noni Madueke all drawing criticism.
Be honest, how many ELITE forwards do Arsenal actually have?
In the aftermath of the Gunners’ defeat to Manchester United, Mikel Arteta’s work with his attackers has been questioned by many.
Now, Owen has given an interesting take on Arsenal’s lack of goals from their forwards, despite expressing some concerns.
Michael Owen on Arsenal attackers’ poor form
Michael Owen believes Arsenal’s ‘brilliant defence’ will win them the Premier League, despite their attackers struggling.
The Gunners remain the team with the fewest goals against, having conceded just 17 times in 23 matches this season.
For sure, their lack of firepower is a concern, but the former Premier League striker is still backing them to grind out results.
“I mean, I’m just doing the maths there. I think that’s 75 appearances (combined between all attackers) in the right column,” Owen told Premier League Productions.
Fill the blanks, I think Arsenal have a __% chance of winning the Premier League.
“One goal in open play from all those in 75 appearances. It is quite scary. You counter that by saying, okay well, they are absolutely exceptional on set pieces, and they’re exceptional with their defence.
“So you know you don’t have to go and blitz everybody to win the league. Sometimes it’s grinding results out and Arsenal, they’ve got capabilities, but in the main, they’re going to win this league through having a brilliant, solid defence and being efficient.”
The only worry is that, against Manchester United, for the first time in 782 days, Arsenal conceded three times in one match. That will raise alarms that Arteta’s team are struggling to deal with the pressure.
Kai Havertz cannot come soon enough for Arsenal
One player Arsenal could seriously do with getting back as soon as possible is Kai Havertz.
Ahead of the weekend’s clash, Havertz’s knee has flared up again after his return from injury, and he missed the game against Man United.
Arsenal fans thought Havertz really impressed against Portsmouth; however, the German has not been seen since.
Hopefully, Havertz should be back for the Champions League game against Kairat FC, and Arteta should be looking to give him minutes.
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