Arsenal’s £45m ‘ghost’ should never have lasted 90 against Spurs

Within 24 hours, Arsenalthe odds of winning it Premier League have received a huge boost. It’s funny how quickly football changes, isn’t it?

The Gunners have been dealt two bitter blows to their bid for silverware in their previous two games, losing in the Carabao Cup to Newcastle and then in the FA Cup to Manchester United.

However, following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, Mikel ArtetaHis men managed to close the gap to four points at the summit by beating Wednesday 2-1 on Wednesday.

It wasn’t a vintage display but it was enough and, on the plus side, Arsenal are starting to find solutions in the final third.

In the last three games, the Gunners produced an xG of 7.78. While in the few games before this they struggled to create at all, at least now they are creating chances. They just struggle to find the back of the net.

Any chance of a new forward this month, Arteta? For a moment, though, let’s focus on the positives.

Arsenal’s best players against Tottenham

After Bukayo Saka’s fatal injury, the club needed players to step up.

It has been a challenge to find someone to replace him and they have now tried five different players. Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nuaneri and Raheem Sterling on the right since Xhaka was ruled out.

All of them but Sterling have scored – so you could say they’ve stepped up – but you’d still like more from your forward line.

One player who really needs to do more is Martin Odegaard. Fortunately, the Norwegian may be slowly creeping back to his best form again.

Performance in numbers

Want data and statistics? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series brings you the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Club leader signed up ten key passes in the FA Cup defeat by Manchester United a few days ago and dictated to play nicely again on Wednesday in the derby, entry of four keys and providing the assist for Trossard’s winner.

Speaking of Trossard, it’s time for the Belgian to do something. He has struggled for form, notably he did not score in seven consecutive league outings before the visit of Andze Postecoglou’s side.

However, his goal worked brilliantly, creating a chance on his left foot before chipping past new Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky.

Another to shine was 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, the first 18-year-old to start for Arsenal in a north London derby since a certain Cesc Fabregas.

The teenager was calmness personified at left-back, completing 94% of his passes and winning four of his five duels. He only lost possession five times from 46 touches as well. He is really making this position his own and is already showing as a player of his age.

Unfortunately, not everyone caught the eye.

Arsenal’s poorest players against Tottenham

A man who seems to be struggling for confidence right now is Kai Havertz who just can’t seem to find the back of the net.

Against Newcastle a week ago, the German missed a chance with a header from a few yards out before spurning a string of chances last Sunday, most worryingly firing over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Havertz struggled again this time, missing two big chances, including a free header inside the box.

The goals will no doubt come again for the former Chelsea man, but his last three appearances sum up why Arsenal have he reportedly considered signing a player like Benjamin Cesko.

Another miss was the midfielder Thomas Parteya player who showed why the Gunners carry is closing in on the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimenti.

Considering his average performance, it was perhaps a surprise to see the Ghanaian last the full 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

While the midfielder completed 91% of his passes and won five of his eight duels, had the player watched the build-up to Spurs’ goal, they may have kept a clean sheet.

Indeed, Partey let Pape Matar Sarr run down the right side of the pitch without pressure, with Tottenham eventually forcing a mistimed corner and then Heung-min Son finding the net.

It was a moment in the game that drew massive criticism with Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid commenting that “Party is a Ghost in Transition” while Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley noted that “The lack of effort is shocking”.

So while Partey cost £45m when he first signed terms with Arsenalhe shouldn’t be getting a penny in the summer with his expiring contract.

It’s time for Arteta to replace him. Zubimendi, we are waiting for you.

Related

Arsenal are keen on the £59m striker, who is far better than Vlahovic

The outstanding talent could turn into a world-beater at Arsenal.