Arsenal’s FA Cup exit proves they must sign a striker soon

LONDON — Rarely in elite sport is problem-solving as simple as that, but the case for Arsenal signing a striker to realize its ambitions is growing stronger by the day.

The Gunners exited the FA Cup on Sunday with a 2-0 third round defeat to Liverpool that owed more to their own profligacy than anything else.

This quickly becomes a familiar story. Arsenal wasted a plethora of chances in losing to West Ham and Fulham last week, although the latter performance was a flawed performance. The Gunners were made to pay at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday by a Liverpool side who, for long periods, seemed primarily concerned with avoiding a replay, regardless of whether that meant they won or lost.

– Stream the FA Cup on ESPN+: Wigan AFC v Man United (Monday, 3 p.m. ET)
– Read on ESPN+: Investigate what's behind Arsenal's sudden downfall

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lost main striker Gabriel Jesus to a knee injury in the build-up to the match, and he opted to experiment with Kai Havertz starting in the middle for the first time since August's Community Shield clash with Manchester City. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp later described Arsenal's setup as “4-2-2-2”, with Havertz and Martin Odegaard operating as a “double ten”, so no one could question the innovation of 'Arteta in his attempt to find a remedy to his goalscoring problems.

However, Havertz was one of many culprits, often taking too many touches before shooting or missing the target when it seemed easier to test Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Reiss Nelson missed a series of openers in just the first 15 minutes as Odegaard also hit the crossbar and Liverpool struggled to get out of their own half.

Confidence gradually disappeared from their game as Klopp reshuffled his team, replacing Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez before introducing Diogo Jota, Ryan Gravenberch, Bobby Clark and Conor Bradley as Liverpool reversed the momentum and took advantage of the uncertainty of 'Arsenal.

Arsenal finally scored, but from the wrong side, with Jakub Kiwior heading Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick in the 80th minute to further compound the set-piece problem: Arsenal have now conceded five goals in eight games in all competitions on dead ball situations. .

Diaz converted a second goal in stoppage time with the kind of clinical finishing that Arsenal lacked all afternoon, leaving Arteta with even more questions as to whether the answer to his current scoring woes lies in the January transfer market. Asked about the chances of signing a natural goalscorer this month, Arteta told beIN Sports: “At the moment it doesn't seem realistic. My job and what we have to do is improve our players and try to 'get better results with the players we have.'

Arsenal have now taken 48 shots since their last home goal. They have scored one goal on 63 shots since Christmas. They finished here against Liverpool with an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.74 but nothing to show for it once again.

Arteta is right to be encouraged by his side's creativity – they haven't become a bad team overnight – but a run of one win in seven games threatens to sabotage a campaign that was so promising years ago. barely fifteen days.

The Gunners boss was asked whether it had become a psychological problem.

“It probably is,” he said. “Especially after today, more than before against Fulham or West Ham. That's why I think we need to reset. This break is good. It comes at a good time. We will also feel what we feel and how I feel about them in tough times. I hope I can see that in other people too. When things are good, they jump on the bandwagon. Now things are tough, let's see where they are .”

Arteta revealed Jesus had a scan “that shows something” after complaining of knee pain. Arteta added: “I hope it's not something serious. It's the same knee he had [an injury in before]so we couldn't take any risks.

Jesus, who is expected to travel with the squad for a training break in Dubai, is Arsenal's best striker but not a consistently reliable goalscorer.

Havertz has been unconvincing as a deputy while Leandro Trossard has played through the middle for Brighton, but his form has been patchy in that role for the Gunners. And what about Eddie Nketiah? The 24-year-old is paid £100,000 a week primarily to play Jesus' deputy, but he was an unused substitute here. Crystal Palace have expressed an interest in Nketiah and there must be a temptation in some quarters to move him, should he not be retained here, fearing that Jesus could in fact face a long absence.

Of course, signing a striker in January is easier said than done.

Arsenal have limited funds as they seek to remain compliant with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules and their favorite target, Brentford's Ivan Toney, is believed to cost around £80 million. Brentford are also reluctant to sell mid-season and so Arteta is likely faced with the prospect of signing an alternative or accepting what he has, until the summer provides a more inviting climate to persuade Toney to move away.

This conundrum didn't stop some supporters from shouting “sign a striker” in Arteta's direction during the match.

“What I ask of the supporters is that they are behind the team as they were in difficult times,” Arteta replied. “Stay behind the ones we have. They are incredibly good. Otherwise they won't do what they did today and at Anfield. [when drawing 1-1 in the Premier League on December 23].

“Stay by their side. That's exactly what they need. Then they feel important and supported. With their attitude, they don't deserve anything different. That's my opinion. It's frustrating but what can we do? do us? I can't tell them, “Play badly, don't shoot, and Liverpool will score an own goal and win the match. I don't know how to create a game plan like this, it's impossible.

“So stay with them. If we have 18 shots, next time we need 35. If we do that continually, the ball will go in the net and we will generate momentum and we will win the games. C 'is for sure.”

This faith is currently being put to the test.