The right-sided bias in Arsenal’s attack has been evident since the 2022/23 season, with much of their play funneled towards Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and William Saliba on that flank. This concentration on the right has been effective when these key players are performing well, but it has also made Arsenal vulnerable when opposition teams find ways to neutralize them.
Arsenal’s Right-Sided Dominance
- Saka and Odegaard: They are Arsenal’s most creative and decisive attacking duo, responsible for a significant portion of the team’s chances and goals. Their ability to link up and exploit spaces has made them a potent threat on the right side.
- Defensive Focus: When Arsenal’s right-sided attack is stopped, the left flank becomes a weaker area, lacking the same level of dynamism and threat. This was evident against teams like Fulham, who managed to congest the right side and stifle Saka and Odegaard.
Challenges on the Left Flank
- Lack of Consistency: Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, the key left-sided attackers, have struggled with consistency. Martinelli, in particular, has seen his goal tally drop significantly since the 2022/23 season when he scored 15 goals. Now, he’s only managed nine in the last 48 league games.
- Midfield and Fullback Issues: The left side of Arsenal’s midfield and defense has also been in flux. The departure of Granit Xhaka and changes in the left-back position (with Timber, Calafiori, Zinchenko, and Lewis-Skelly all rotating) have not provided the stability that Martinelli needs to thrive.
- Player Limitations: Despite occasional moments of brilliance, Trossard and Martinelli have not been able to replicate Saka’s impact on the opposite flank. Trossard’s role is more effective as a substitute than as a starter, and Martinelli tends to drift out of games.
Potential Solutions
- Transfer Market: Arsenal may need to look at the transfer market for a winger who can provide the dynamism and decisiveness currently missing on the left. There have been links to players like Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, and Raphinha, who could add depth and competition on that side.
- Internal Development: Improving the current players’ end product and consistency could also be a viable solution. This might include better tactical adjustments and player management from Mikel Arteta.
The left flank remains the most pressing area that needs improvement for Arsenal to challenge for major titles, and addressing this could give them the necessary edge to become more unpredictable and formidable in attack.