As Arsenal fans filled the Emirates Stadium for their pre-season friendly, the atmosphere was a cocktail of excitement and trepidation. With the echoes of the previous season’s near-misses still reverberating, the question looms large: Can Arsenal finally secure the Premier League title this year?
The challenge is particularly pronounced given their current lack of a traditional powerhouse No 9, a role that many argue is crucial for a title-winning team. With Mikel Arteta at the helm and a squad that is familiar yet evolving, Arsenal’s quest for glory hinges on whether they can overcome their recent shortcomings and compete with the relentless force that is Manchester City.
When is Arsenal’s first Premier League match?
17 August, 2024 against Wolves.
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A Familiar Arsenal at the Start of the Season
Arsenal’s recent pre-season fixture against Bayer Leverkusen was marked by a striking similarity to last season’s squad. Fans and analysts alike had expected to see new faces, but the matchday lineup was predominantly comprised of players from the previous season. The only new signing, Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori, was not yet match-ready. This lack of fresh blood in the starting eleven raises questions about whether Arsenal has done enough to bridge the gap with Manchester City, who have set an extraordinarily high benchmark for success in the Premier League.
The False Nine Conundrum
The manager praised the goal contributions of Kai Havertz and a rejuvenated Gabriel Jesus, as well as Leandro Trossard’s attacking threat, following his team’s impressive 4-1 victory. “The three, they have that false-nine profile,” Arteta said. “I like what I saw.” Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has increasingly utilized a fluid attacking style with players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard.
These players, adept at operating as false nines, have been central to Arteta’s tactical setup. Havertz’s height and ball control, Jesus’s dynamic movement, and Trossard’s versatility have provided Arsenal with a range of attacking options. Arteta has expressed satisfaction with this approach, particularly highlighting the contributions of these players in recent matches. However, the effectiveness of this strategy over a full Premier League season remains uncertain.
The Haaland Effect
Manchester City’s success with Erling Haaland last season provides a stark contrast. Haaland, with his imposing presence and clinical finishing, scored 27 Premier League goals, a significant contribution to City’s title-winning campaign. Arsenal’s top scorer, Bukayo Saka, managed 16 goals, underscoring the gap between the two teams in terms of goal-scoring firepower.
Expanding the comparison, City’s top three scorers accumulated a total of 57 goals, while Arsenal’s top three managed 41. This disparity highlights a critical difference in attacking potency, which could prove pivotal in Arsenal’s title challenge.
Missed Opportunities and Transfer Strategies
Arsenal’s interest in acquiring a traditional No 9 was evident earlier in the transfer window, with Benjamin Sesko, a towering 21-year-old striker from RB Leipzig, high on their list. Sesko’s potential addition would have provided a physical and aerial presence that Arsenal currently lacks. However, with Sesko opting to stay at Leipzig, Arsenal’s pursuit of a new forward has stalled. This leaves them with several options: they could seek another big striker, bolster their attack with a different type of player, or wait for the right opportunity to arise.
Strengthening Other Areas
One potential strategy is to enhance other areas of the attack, particularly in addressing the need for a reliable deputy to Bukayo Saka. Internal solutions include Fabio Vieira, who has been utilized in a similar role during pre-season, and Jesus, who can operate from the right flank.
Despite these options, Arteta might still prefer a different profile of player to provide additional depth and versatility.
The Tactical Dilemma
Adding a player akin to Haaland would necessitate adjustments to Arsenal’s tactical setup. The introduction of a traditional powerhouse No 9 would likely require changes in how Arteta deploys his team, potentially shifting from a fluid attacking approach to one that focuses more on utilizing a central striker’s strengths. This could impact the team’s overall balance and style of play, making it crucial for Arteta to carefully consider how such a change would affect the squad’s dynamics.
Arteta’s Strategic Choices
As Arsenal approaches the start of the 2024-25 season, Arteta faces a critical decision regarding his starting forward. Havertz, who finished last season as the primary forward, offers height, physicality, and an improving goal-scoring record. Jesus, meanwhile, is returning to form after a challenging season marred by injury. His renewed fitness and motivation could be pivotal in Arsenal’s pursuit of the title.
Challenges and Key Fixtures for Arsenal
Arsenal’s opening fixtures of the new season include challenging trips to Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Manchester City, all of whom finished in the top five last season. These early games will be crucial in setting the tone for Arsenal’s campaign. A strong start is essential, and Arteta will need his squad to be at peak performance to compete against these formidable opponents.
Arsenal’s quest for Premier League glory without a traditional No 9 is a high-stakes gamble. The team’s reliance on a fluid attacking style and contributions from various players presents both strengths and limitations. While the versatility of players like Havertz, Jesus, and Trossard offers a dynamic approach, the absence of a central striker with the physicality and goal-scoring prowess of someone like Erling Haaland could be a significant disadvantage.
Arsenal’s ability to overcome this challenge will depend on their efficiency, adaptability, and the contributions of every player throughout the season. With a demanding schedule ahead, Arteta’s tactical decisions and the team’s collective performance will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can finally secure the Premier League title or face another season of near-misses.
