Arsenal vs Olympiacos: 4 talking points from 3-1 Europa League win

Mikel Arteta Needs to Field More Goalscorers

There is a fine line to draw. One the one hand, the double No. 8/10 options are what Arteta wants in his side as it forges enhanced structure and breeds greater ball retention. With Willian in the side, who had a decent outing on Thursday, Arsenal can sustain a grip on proceedings and keep sides pinned back for longer spells.

Flip that over, and without a Gabriel Martinelli or a Nicolas Pepe, two players who aren’t ready-made wall-pass and half-space occupiers, the goalscoring mantle is left solely on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s shoulders. Bukayo Saka can chip in with goals but is the ‘B’ section of an ‘A, B, C’ move. More adept at laying on the incisive pass than he is being a finisher in the box, Arsenal don’t have players who can secure a numerical advantage on their stranglehold.

The same pattern repeated itself as has been the case throughout the season of early dominance followed by missed chances, sloppiness as nerves kick in and finally a late flurry. In the final third there are not enough individuals to add a clinical touch other than the captain.

All three of Arsenal’s goals on the night were stunning efforts. Three touches of the ball that could easily have trickled into the goalkeeper’s arms or hit Row Z. Had but one have been converted then the issue of cutting edge would have been the major talking point. But regardless, it still needs to be.

No balance has been struck as of yet.