#5 Arsenal need a top-class striker if they are to progress
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Last night’s telling statistic was probably this: Arsenal had 12 attempts on goal but hit the target just five times, and in the end, they relied on Robert Huth’s chest to steal a victory. While they also lacked the creative spark last night, what they really lack right now is a top-class striker who can bag goals from nowhere.
Based on his performance earlier, Theo Walcott just isn’t that striker. The England international registered just one shot and was completely ineffective against Leicester’s admittedly tough defence. The Gunners had Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck on the bench, but to be frank, neither man has really proven to be a world-class finisher either.
While Arsenal’s goal difference isn’t bad at all – they’ve scored 64 in the league this season – aside from a 3-0 victory over Chelsea back in September, they’ve struggled for goals against the league’s best defences.
Alexis Sanchez is their top scorer with an impressive 24 goals in all competitions, but he isn’t a classic striker and I don’t think it’s wise for Arsenal to rely on his goals as their main source.
Perhaps someone like Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could make a difference? He’s been a goal machine – the French Harry Kane, basically – over the last three seasons and probably wouldn’t cost a marquee transfer fee either. Regardless, Arsenal cannot afford to put on more toothless displays like last night if they want to get back into the Champions League spots.
