Mikel Arteta could bring in a creative midfielder with more goals than Martin Odegaard – he’s already at the club

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Arsenal are struggling to convert chances into goals as they once again dropped more points in a match they dominated against Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta’s side showed some defensive fragility against former manager Unai Emery as Thomas Partey came under criticism from Paul Merson for his role in Ollie Watkins snatching a point for Villa.

Out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury, the draw also highlighted Arsenal’s worrying record with William Saliba in the side as they threw away a commanding 2-0 position.

However, there has been more talk following the match about Arsenal’s attacking woes, more chances were missed and some pundits have questioned whether Arteta’s side have become too predictable in their attacking build up.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher left ‘shocked’ after Emmanuel Petit snubs two Arsenal legends in his best XI

Fabio Vieira could be the answer to Jamie Carragher’s Arsenal criticism

Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football pre-match analysis, pundit Jamie Carragher has been discussing why Arsenal are coming up short in attacking areas compared to leaders Liverpool.

Carragher believes that Arsenal are becoming ‘too predictable’ by mainly using the wide areas as their point of attack rather than playing through the lines and penetrating the central area of the pitch.

Carragher’s analysis stated that the Gunners are currently 19th in terms of chances created through the middle of the pitch and showed how captain Martin Odegaard has been picking up the ball in wider areas more this season.

Emmanuel Petit dismissed Carragher’s claim by pointing out that Arsenal lack in squad depth in Odegaard’s creative position, forcing Arteta’s team to play to their strength in wide positions.

Having variety to your attack is key for any top team and in Fabio Vieira, Arsenal sent a player out on loan that could really bring something to this unbalanced attacking line up.

Fabio Vieira could support Odegaard in Arsenal’s attacks

Mikel Arteta revealed the reason behind sending Vieira on loan to Porto in order to give more opportunities to youngster Ethan Nwaneri coming through.

Despite recent injury, Nwaneri has proven himself to be capable of playing wide right and in the centre of the pitch however, Vieira can offer something alongside both Nwaneri and Odegaard – something this Arsenal squad are desperately missing.

Mikel Merino has often been used in the left central midfield role and Arsenal seem to struggle against low defensive blocks with the Spaniard operating in that position.

Vieira has proven he can impact a game, his cameo against Fulham at the start of the 23/24 season was a real bright moment of his Arsenal career and unfortunate injuries really hampered his progress.

Vieira’s ability to occupy the spaces in the pockets and then play progressive passes could be an option for Arteta against a more defensive approach from the opposition.

Whether the manager decides to recall Vieira remains to be seen but the Gunners boss knows that he needs more options at his disposal and fast before the hopes of the season disappear.