Mikel Arteta has troubling Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz issue to address before it derails Arsenal

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Arsenal have been very inconsistent so far this season, particularly in the final third. 

The Gunners have lacked cutting edge at times this season, particularly whilst Martin Odegaard was absent due to injury.

This up-and-down form has lead to Arsenal being on the back foot as far as the Premier League title race is concerned. The North London club currently trail table-toppers Liverpool by nine points. 

However, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz have at least been able to provide some reliable end product for the Gunners.

• READ MORE: The highest active goalscorers in the 2024/25 Arsenal first-team squad

Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz struggling away from home

Saka surpassed Cesc Fabregas’ Premier League goal tally against Nottingham Forest, as he registered his 51st goal in the competition. This is an extraordinary feat, given that the Hale End academy graduate remains just 23-years-old.

Meanwhile, Havertz equalled an Arsenal record set by Robin van Persie for goals scored in consecutive appearances at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season. The German has now established himself as Arteta’s first choice pick to lead the line. 

The duo have registered four goals each in the Premier League this season. However, all eight of those strikes have come at the Emirates Stadium. That is a problem.

Arteta needs this potent attacking pair to step up and deliver more often when the Gunners are on the road. Arsenal’s title chances depend upon their ability to win games both on their own patch and away from home.

How Mikel Arteta can elevate Arsenal’s attack

Not only do Arsenal need Saka and Havertz to step up away from home, but Arteta needs to bolster his attacking ranks in the upcoming January transfer window, too. 

The North London club currently lack a truly prolific centre-forward. Arsenal have been told to sign a striker, and such an acquisition is surely necessary to ensure that the Gunners have the firepower required to stand any chance of being crowned champions. 

Arsenal have had an approach for Viktor Gyokeres rebuffed, and may consider making another move for the Sporting CP star. In any case, bringing in a goalscorer this winter has to be at the top of Arteta’s agenda.