As the title race intensifies, Arsenal’s fixture list will see them encounter several teams positioned outside the traditional 'Big Six'. These opponents typically employ low defensive blocks, challenging the league leaders to find creative solutions in tight spaces. Nicol fears that if Arsenal’s primary creative outlets continue to misfire, they will struggle to replicate the relentless scoring power seen at Manchester City, who seem to have a wealth of options in reserve.
"That would be the biggest concern for Mikel Arteta," Nicol added. "They have to go to Man City, but the other games are against teams outside the top six, which means they’ll probably be sitting in a tight defensive unit. So how are you going to break down these sides? You’ve got an Arsenal side going forward who look as though they can’t break anyone down and Man City who look like they can and have so many options. If you’re Mikel Arteta, you got the win but you must be a little bit worried."