It’s back to the drawing board for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal suffered their second defeat of the season on match day 10.
Newcastle United took the lead in the 12th minute through Alexander Isak, a goal that was the match winner as Arsenal failed to threaten the Magpies.
Arteta’s side were far from their best and were unable to return to winning ways after a defeat and a draw.
It’s now three Premier League games without a win for the Gunners, giving Arteta plenty to think about after the opening 10 fixtures.
Mikel Arteta sent clear Arsenal transfer message in Newcastle defeat
Arsenal showed some fight against Liverpool however, were unable to get the win despite going ahead twice in the contest.
In the match prior against Bournemouth, little attacking presence was evident, which was the same story at St James’ Park.
Arteta has a lot to answer for in regard to Arsenal’s performance, with the mistakes that the Spaniard and Edu Gaspar made in the summer transfer window becoming clear.
Many supporters wanted the Gunners to sign a goalscoring number nine, and despite that still being a must, the Newcastle display portrayed that another winger is needed.
Gabriel Martinelli was poor against Newcastle, as was Leandro Trossard, who is filling in for Martin Odegaard in central midfield.
In the summer, Arsenal recruited Raheem Sterling to offer competition and depth to the wide areas however, the 29-year-old isn’t the figure required to tempt Trossard and Martinelli to raise their games.
With the first choice left-winger not performing and those below him following a similar narrative, the Gunners’ threat going forward becomes incredibly limited.
Such only emphasises the need for Arteta and Edu to explore the market for a high-calibre winger.
Arsenal transfer rumours: Viktor Gyokeres eyed but a winger is needed
Gossip surrounding Arsenal’s transfer stance is somewhat dominated by fans’ desire to see a striker signed, with Viktor Gyokeres still linked with a move.
Gyokeres is likely to be available next summer, as the Sporting CP marksman continues to tell Edu that signing him would be a no-brainer at the Emirates.
While the Swedish talisman is desired for obvious reasons, Arsenal’s start to the season has presented the glaring fact that a wide player is needed.
Not a player like Sterling or Trossard, who can fill a void when required, but a player who can challenge even the best at the club.
There’s a sense of stagnancy in the wide areas at present in Arteta’s squad, with Bukayo Saka standing alone as the North Londoners’ only in-form winger.
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