In their second consecutive Premier League match, following a 1-1 draw with Fulham, Arsenal were left regretting their failure to turn their dominance into goals.
The 0-0 draw with Everton was another game that highlighted the Gunners' need for attacking reinforcements. They are clearly lacking a 'number 9' capable of finishing off a game.
Kai Havertz has impressed in this role. His late strike in the midweek Champions League win over Monaco took his tally to double digits this season. However, that includes just five Premier League goals and Havertz has failed to be Arsenal’s main man. The German international had just one shot in the 90 minutes against Everton.
Arsenal need more from their centre-forwards and they don't seem to be getting that from alternatives like Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian hasn't scored in the Premier League since January. Like Havertz, Jesus didn't pose much of a threat after coming on in the second half.
The Gunners' progress over the past two years has been fuelled by their ability to share goals, with them breaking the club record with 91 goals last season.
However, to reach the next level, they will need a world-class striker. It is clear that in deadlocked matches, The Gunners do not have the type of "number 9" capable of making a difference in just one moment.
Their efforts to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer show they are aware of that, but as the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal cannot afford to be complacent about their attacking options.
Since arriving at the Emirates in 2019, Arteta has helped the Gunners make great strides and become a competitive team. However, what Arsenal fans need most is the Premier League and Champions League titles that have yet to come.
Between now and the winter transfer window, Arteta will need to prove he can turn things around and get the team back on track. And then, they can't afford to delay any longer in signing a new striker.
"You need explosiveness and precision. We could have won 2-0, 3-0 and no one would have criticised anything. But the fact is 0-0 and the incredible things we did will not be talked about," Arteta said after the 0-0 draw with Everton.
