In the world of English football, Arsenal Football Club has long been regarded as one of the giants, with a rich history and a fan base that spans the globe. However, in recent years, the club has faced its fair share of challenges, particularly in the quest for Premier League glory. Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, a former Arsenal player himself, recently voiced his concerns about the club’s attacking options, specifically mentioning Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of this issue and explore why Merson’s insights hold weight.
Arsenal and their Need for a Premier League Striker: A Critical Analysis
The North London Derby Dilemma
On Sunday, September 24, all eyes were on the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. With injuries sidelining key players like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, manager Mikel Arteta had to make some crucial decisions regarding his starting XI. To the surprise of many, both Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus were handed starting roles in the match.
The game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Arsenal’s goals coming from a Cristian Romero own goal and a Bukayo Saka penalty. However, the performance of Nketiah and Jesus left much to be desired. Nketiah, the young English striker, failed to make a significant impact on the match, while Gabriel Jesus, often hailed as a talented forward, missed a golden opportunity to put Arsenal ahead.
Paul Merson’s Candid Assessment
Paul Merson, known for his candid and sometimes controversial views, did not mince words in his assessment of Arsenal’s attacking options. He made his thoughts clear on Sky Sports, stating, “I’ve always said it from day one – Eddie Nketiah is not going to win you the Premier League. You need a proper centre forward. I’m not blaming Nketiah because they drew 2-2 with Tottenham, but with 32 games to go and all the Champions League games they have to play, I don’t think he takes them to the next level. I don’t even think Gabriel Jesus takes them to the next level.”
Merson’s concerns were not solely limited to Nketiah and Jesus. He expressed worry about the overall attacking lineup, which included Jesus deployed on the wing and Fabio Vieira. Merson questioned Vieira’s suitability for the team and lamented the scarcity of quality center forwards in the world, labeling them as a “dying breed.”
Ivan Toney: A Potential Solution
One name that consistently emerged as a potential solution to Arsenal’s striking woes was Ivan Toney. The Brentford forward had an impressive season prior to his suspension due to breaching FA betting rules, scoring 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances. His ability to find the back of the net made him a standout performer in the league.
However, there’s a significant hurdle in the pursuit of Ivan Toney. He will serve suspension from football until January 17, 2024, which means Arsenal would have to wait until the following year to secure his services. This leaves Arsenal with a conundrum – how to address their immediate need for a top-class striker.
The Way Forward
In light of Paul Merson’s observations and the challenges Arsenal faces in their quest for Premier League success, it becomes evident that the club must make strategic decisions. While Nketiah and Jesus are undoubtedly talented players, they may not be the answer to Arsenal’s aspirations of lifting the Premier League trophy.
Arsenal’s management, led by Mikel Arteta, must carefully assess their options. The January transfer window could provide an opportunity to bolster the squad with a capable striker, provided the right candidate is available.
In the interim, the club should focus on developing the existing talent within their ranks and maximizing the potential of players like Nketiah and Jesus. Additionally, tactical adjustments may be necessary to ensure the team’s attacking prowess remains formidable.
Views
In the ever-competitive world of English football, Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League glory demands a critical evaluation of their squad, particularly in the striking department. Paul Merson’s candid assessment highlights the need for a top-quality striker, and while Ivan Toney could be a potential solution, his suspension poses a challenge.
Arsenal fans around the world eagerly await the club’s response to this dilemma. The path to success in the Premier League is fraught with challenges, but with the right decisions and strategic moves, Arsenal can once again rise to prominence in English football.
