December is more than halfway over and Arsenal are struggling again. The same question has been around since last year: will they need a new striker in the January transfer window?
The goalless draw with Everton has put Arsenal in a difficult position in the Premier League title race this season. The gap with the top team Liverpool is not large but could have been narrowed if the "Gunners" had known how to score.
Mikel Arteta’s side had 13 shots on target and generated enough expected goals (xG) to be worthy winners. However, once again, their attack was unlucky.
"It's very disappointing not to win the game. You don't allow the opponent to have a shot on target, no dangerous runs or corners. Arsenal created chances but didn't score. That's what we lacked today," said Arteta.
Arsenal's attacking quality has been questioned in their last three Premier League games, relying on corners to find the net against Man United and Fulham, before being completely helpless against Everton.
As Arsenal struggle to break down a deep defensive block, they at least have the strength of set pieces to rely on. However, against Everton, Sean Dyche's side shut Arsenal down in dead-ball situations.
And of course, when a team is not scoring, the first place to look is the striker. Kai Havertz is not a natural centre-forward but his form is still very difficult to accept. The German international has scored just one goal in his last eight Premier League appearances.
"There were little details in the box we didn't do. We didn't find the final pass. Sometimes I think the position in the box wasn't perfect, so we have to look at that and improve in the next games," Havertz said after missing several chances against Everton.
However, Havertz has still scored more goals in all competitions this season than Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling combined. While Havertz deserves criticism, he also lacks support from his teammates.
Gabriel Jesus has scored just one goal in his last 33 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions. With just five appearances outside the Carabao Cup this season, it appears Arteta’s faith in the Brazilian is fading.
