Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table, but Gary Neville believes they need to strengthen in the January transfer window to firm up their title credentials
Gary Neville believes that Arsenal’s forward line is a “real problem” as the Gunners look to end their title drought.
It has been nearly two decades since the London side lifted the Premier League trophy, though they are second in the table heading into Thursday’s clash with West Ham. But their top striker pairing of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have scored just eight goals combined.
Though the duo bring other strengths to Mikel Arteta’s side, Neville is growing concerned that their struggles in front of goal will harm the Gunners’ title bid. The Manchester United legend believes a new first-choice striker is needed to firm up their credentials.
“At Arsenal is an emerging front three that could be great. But they don’t combine a lot together. That’s a real problem, the best front threes involve their centre-forwards and the wide players, they play and bounce it off them,” he told the Gary Neville Podcast.
“You see in years gone by, Salah, Firmino and Mane would link between the three of them. At Manchester United, when we were at our best, the front two would link between them. It is difficult for defenders to deal with them when front players link.
“Martinelli, Jesus and Saka, I don’t see them linking up a lot. I don’t see Liverpool making a move in that position in January because they’ve got Diogo Jota and plenty of players up there. It’s more Arsenal.
“I’ve been talking at the end of many of their games this season about whether Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah are No 1 and No 2 strikers in Premier League title-winning sides. Or whether they are actually No 2 and No 3 strikers and they need that No 1.”
Jesus will likely lead the line when Arsenal take on the Hammers with the chance to go back to top in the table. The Gunners have been heavily linked with a January move to Ivan Toney to provide competition for the Brazilian, but boss Arteta has insisted he is happy with his squad.
“We have certain targets and ideas if things happen. We don’t know how the squad is going to be and you have to be prepared for that. It’s a very tricky market that shifts very quickly and it’s quite unpredictable as well,” Arteta said.
“We will be prepared and try to make the right calls. If there is something that we can improve the squad and needs something that we can’t fulfil with players here then we are always going to be open to doing that because we want to be stronger
“It feels similar, it’s always a good feeling to have the chance to be at the top of the Premier League, understanding how competitive it is. Tomorrow we’re going to have a really difficult opponent in front of us and we’re going to have to be at our best.
“The competition is incredible this season, how difficult it is to win every single game. You see the results and how surprised you get when you see the scores on your app. It’s the beauty of this league. Tomorrow we’re going to have to be so good again.”
