Arsenal’s lack of January transfer business is coming back to haunt them as the Premier League title race slips away from their grasp.
The Gunners are missing key forward options, with both a striker and a winger in the areas clearly lacking in depth and quality.
Most of that has come down to injuries, with just three natural wide options available to Mikel Arteta, while there aren’t any senior recognised centre-forwards left in the squad.
It has led to some tinkering for Arsenal, but ultimately some dropped points as well, costing the side dearly in the Premier League title race.
While there will be some hint of misfortune in it all, the Gunners should feel most frustrated by the lack of January transfer business, which has only been underlined by one transfer target.
Marcus Rashford embarrasses Arsenal with Aston Villa impact
Arsenal were linked with a transfer for Marcus Rashford in January, with the forward looking to leave Manchester United in search of more football.
The England international was snubbed by new boss Ruben Amorim and while he seemed available, the Gunners decided against a move.
Instead, Rashford went to Aston Villa on a loan deal for the rest of the season and has looked sharp with his cameos so far.
The 27-year-old went on to prove how much of a mistake that lack of a switch from Arsenal has been in the latest performance against Chelsea.
Rashford came off the bench to assist two goals as Aston Villa came from behind to beat the Blues 2-1 at Villa Park.
His pace and ability to find an opportunity helped create both chances that transformed defeat into victory.
Given Arsenal’s struggles, it may have embarrassed the side in that they couldn’t seal a deal to help with the Premier League title race.
Arsenal will regret lack of January transfer business
While it was always going to be a long shot for Arsenal to claw back points to win the Premier League title, they have been handed chances.
Liverpool have looked vulnerable but every time they open the door slightly, the Gunners seemingly slam it shut once again.
If the dropped points do prove costly, it will only go to show how a lack of January business has cost the team dearly.
Despite that, Mikel Arteta put the question back on his team after the defeat to West Ham when asked about the window.
He told the press: “No, no, no, honestly again I think we have to look in the mirror of ourselves of what we can do better, what we have done and the will and the desire and the way we run and the way we want it, zero question about that.
“But at that level this is not enough, you have to deliver and it has to be with a lot of quality to break a really good team down, to win many more games than we have done and to put actions that can end up in really threatening moments for the position to win the games and today we haven’t done that.”
While it’ll be good long-term for the squad to have that introspection, the current short-term goals are being missed out on as it stands.
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