28 g/a this season 

©IMAGO

Not for the first time this season, Arsenal needed their defensive resilience and a huge slice of fortune to help them secure victory in the Premier League after a blunt display from their attackers. Following their 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, Mikel Arteta is just two games away from steering the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 22 years since the ‘Invincibles’ triumphed in 2003/04. Their title-contending campaign has been built upon grit, determination and valour rather than attacking excellence, which was evident during their slender 1-0 win.

Leandro Trossard’s deflected effort in the 84th minute sent the away end into pandemonium before Callum Wilson’s 94th-minute effort was controversially chalked off for a foul by Pablo on David Raya seconds before. Raya also made superb saves to deny Mateus Fernandes and Taty Castellanos to keep a clean sheet and secure three vital points. With Arsenal now points clear of Manchester City with just two games to go (City have a game in hand), the title is within their grasp.

But privately, there might be some awkward conversations in the summer concerning Arsenal’s attacking numbers. The fact it was Trossard’s first goal in 25 games in all competitions was alarming enough. The Belgian hadn’t found the net in the Premier League alone since January 3 and the relief on his face was palpable as he ended his 128-day wait for a league goal.

Trossard won’t care too much if that goal is the difference between Arsenal winning the title and losing their grip on it, but he might be one of the first names on the chopping block. He isn’t alone in struggling to find the target this season, though. As the graphic above shows, four of his attacking colleagues at Arsenal have experienced longer droughts in front of goal this season.

Noni Madueke had to wait until January 31 until his maiden Arsenal goal, while Kai Havertz returned from a long injury lay-off to score in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in April. Martin Ødegaard’s last league strike came 135 days ago and counting, while Gabriel Martinelli has one goal across the entire domestic campaign and has now gone an incredible 232 days without scoring a league goal.

Speculation persists that Arsenal could look to offload Martinelli and Trossard in the summer, while Odegaard no longer commands an automatic place in the team despite remaining as club captain. Martinelli has a market value of €45 million and Arsenal may choose to cash in on the 24-year-old while they can. It can’t be forgotten, however, that his equaliser against Manchester City in September may prove to be an important moment in their season, just like Trossard’s goal at West Ham.

Julian Alvarez, Anthony Gordon, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Eli Junior Kroupi have all emerged as potential candidates should Arsenal choose to splash out in the summer to reshape their frontline. Kvaratskhelia has proved he can perform at the highest level with some incredible goalscoring performances in the Champions League and has a market value of €90 million, which is suitable for his 28 goal contributions this season.

Some of those names may appear to be ambitious targets, but joining the Premier League champions – and potential Champions League winners – has a pleasant ring to it. Of course, they have to get over the line first and that will be the Spaniard’s sole focus. But if Arteta is intent on creating a dynasty at the Emirates, improving their frontline must be a priority in the coming months.