Arsenal vs Aston Villa: 4 talking points from 1-0 defeat

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (2R) talks to the referee Chris Kavanagh (2L) at the end of the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 6, 2021. (Photo by Nick Potts / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) and Arsenal’s French striker Alexandre Lacazette (Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Plan B Striker

Aubameyang and Lacazette, while two very different profiles, both lack the aerial prowess that any good side need in their locker in times of adversity. With full-backs standing firm to most of Arsenal’s wide play, Matt Targett in particular, deeper crosses were flung in a handful of occasions during Saturday’s defeat.

Flung in to nobody.

Hector Bellerin was guilty of a few, and even when deliveries found their man, neither Lacazette nor Aubameyang have the neck muscles to attack the ball. They both possess varied skillsets, just not heading.

In the youth setup is Nikolaj Moller, a tall Swedish striker who has strength in the air. While it is likely too soon for him to make the step up, he’s the only forward at the club who can take advantage of the ball in the air – he’s been in fine form with the Under-23 side and has trained with the seniors on occasion. An option, sure, although perhaps a knee-jerk one at that.

With a decision to make on Lacazette’s future in the summer, whoever comes in to replace him if he is sold has to be more complete in that regard. Someone who covers multiple bases but can provide a threat in the air when Arsenal are in search of Plan B.

*cough* Odsonne Edouard *cough*

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