Arsenal’s Struggle Without a Genuine No. 9
Ten days ago, I watched Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. During the match, I noticed Eddie Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall repeatedly urging their centre-forward, Alexander Isak, to sprint back and help defend. Isak, however, smiled and continued jogging, much to Howe and Tindall’s frustration. Yet, despite his lack of defensive efforts, Isak’s goal-scoring instinct was evident as he demonstrated his prowess in front of the net. This moment highlighted a stark contrast with Arsenal, who are currently lacking a recognized No. 9, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz out injured. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, seems to be hesitant to sign a genuine centre-forward, a decision that could have severe repercussions for the team’s title ambitions.
The Importance of a Genuine Centre-Forward
True centre-forwards are often characterized by their self-centered approach, single-mindedness, and a singular focus on scoring goals. They can be mavericks, disruptive at times, and they usually have minds of their own. However, their ability to convert chances and provide a focal point in attack is invaluable. Looking back, Arsene Wenger’s tenure at Arsenal was marked by a constant presence of world-class finishers, from Ian Wright to Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry, and Robin Van Persie, culminating with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It seems that Arteta, while focused on a team-oriented approach, is hesitant to embrace the disruptive but necessary role of a genuine No. 9. This reluctance has left Arsenal vulnerable, especially with the recent injury to Kai Havertz, who has been one of the few players capable of filling the void left by Gabriel Jesus’s absence.
Failed Attempts and Missed Opportunities
Arsenal’s failure to sign a top-quality centre-forward has been a recurring theme. A £60 million bid for Ollie Watkins in January felt more like a PR stunt than a genuine attempt to address the issue, as Watkins was unlikely to leave Aston Villa mid-season. Last summer, when Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen were available, Arsenal opted not to pursue them, citing financial constraints. This decision now seems like a false economy, as the club is left short-handed in a crucial part of the pitch. The sale of backup striker Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace without a replacement has further exacerbated the problem. While Arsenal has seen significant improvement under Arteta, their investment in defense and midfield has not been matched by equivalent spending in the attack, a stark imbalance that is now coming to the fore.
The Impact on Arsenal’s Title Chances
With Havertz ruled out for the season, Arteta finds himself in a precarious position. Lacking a recognized centre-forward, he is forced to rely on a ‘false nine’ setup, using players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Raheem Sterling, as well as the young Ethan Nwaneri. While this approach might be sufficient against weaker opponents, it is unlikely to be enough to secure the 14 wins needed to challenge Liverpool for the title, especially considering a crucial away game at Anfield. The absence of a genuine striker means Arsenal will struggle to capitalize on set-pieces, a crucial part of their attacking repertoire that will now be even more challenging to execute effectively.
The Rarity of Successful False Nines
The concept of a false nine is not without its merits, but it is an exceptionally difficult system to implement successfully. Only a handful of teams have managed it, with Barcelona and Lionel Messi, and Manchester City with Sergio Aguero and Erling Haaland, being the notable examples. These teams were among the best in the world, capable of passing their opponents to death and grinding them down. For most other teams, the lack of a traditional centre-forward can lead to a lack of creativity and goal-scoring opportunities. Arsenal’s recent results and the performance of their players in the absence of a genuine No. 9 highlight the limitations of this approach.
The Broader Implications
The failure to sign a top-quality centre-forward is more than just a tactical decision; it reflects a broader philosophy at Arsenal. Arteta’s emphasis on team cohesion and a structured system has led to a reluctance to bring in players who might disrupt the harmony. While this approach has improved the team’s overall performance, it has left them vulnerable in key areas. The upcoming months will be a critical test of this philosophy, as Arsenal faces a challenging run-in without a recognized striker. The contrast with Liverpool, who have overtaken Arsenal in the title race with minimal spending, and Manchester City, who have fallen off despite significant investment, highlights the importance of addressing such weaknesses. For Arsenal, the title remains a possibility, but it will require a significant adjustment and, perhaps, a change in philosophy.
