Title-chasing Arsenal endured a frustrating time at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton in their latest Premier League match.
Despite having 77 per cent of the ball, as well as 13 shots, compared to Everton's two, the Gunners simply couldn't find a way past Sean Dyche's men. It means they they had to settle for a point and were unable to take advantage of Liverpool's second draw in a row.
Ex-Arsenal star Theo Walcott has pointed out the main problem facing Mikel Arteta's team. Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: "Goals from open play are an issue for Arsenal this season."
A graphic then flashed up that the Gunners have scored 18 goals from 'open play' this season, less than eight other Premier League sides including struggling Wolves. A lot, of course, has been made about Arsenal's danger from set-pieces and particularly so over recent matches.
However, if the opposition are somehow able to nullify that, just as Everton did, then Arteta said that they need something else.
"When you do what we've done against them today, then you have to win the game," the manager said during a post-match press conference. "At the end, this is football, the hardest thing is to do what we have to do in those last 20-25 meters.
"Credit to them, as well, for the way they defended, the way they blocked shots, and the saves [Jordan] Pickford made, the shape that they defend with. Honestly, i'ts difficult to ask something else from the team.
"Okay, individually can we do things a bit better and with a little bit more quality and deliver that magic moment when it's necessary? Yes. But that's not easy."
One way to solve the 'issue' is to turn to the January transfer window. Arsenal continue to be linked with strikers, including Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle's Alexander Isak.
The latter scored and provided an assist in his current side's 4-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday afternoon. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has previously admitted that his team could be forced to sell one of their big players in the transfer window - so it could be the perfect opportunity to fix the issue highlighted by Walcott.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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