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Arsenal has advanced to the Carabao Cup semifinals v Chelsea. This will include two legs, which I still don’t understand why the FA still abides by this rule, especially with the heavy fixture lists the top teams have to deal with in January and February. Anyway, it is what it is. Time to shut-up and move on.
I do have some concerns regarding Arsenal’s lack of goal scoring in the last three matches.
Case in point. The Gunners have scored four goals in those three matches. One goal from the penalty spot, zero goals from open play, and three own goals recorded by Arsenal’s opponents.
Yes, of course, we can say the team is knuckling down and grinding out wins, however, this can not continue long-term if Mikel Arteta plans to win big trophies.
Maybe with Kai Havertz returning to the pitch in early 2026 the German can add an extra dimension to the Gunners goal scoring apparatus currently lacking on a consistent basis. Viktor Gyokeres was signed to be that guy, however, the big Swede is yet to find his scoring boots with any regularity. Gabriel Jesus is finally back, too, however, it will take the Brazilian a little time to find his rhythm again. And then there is Mikel Merino, Arteta’s “Mr. Everything.” Merino has been the club’s saving grace at the striker position. Which guy will finally stand-out and become “The Man” in the Gunners center forward position?
Now, if the striker position can become a bigger threat, defenses will be forced to drop back into the penalty box to counter the inside threat. If that happens, wingers and attacking midfielders will have more open spaces to work in and provide more scoring opportunities for the #9.
Yes, this is a broken record that we have heard over and over again for most of this season. However, it is still a concern. So far, Arteta has found ways to win, but we can not continue hoping own goals and set pieces will win Arsenal trophies.
COYG!
Gunner1953