Arsenal: 4 talking points from Nottingham Forest horror show

4. Arsenal Have to Sign a Midfielder This Window (and a striker)

With Xhaka out with Covid for an unknown length of time and Thomas Partey away at AFCON, one of the many aspects Arsenal missed on Sunday was presence.

"“I want to try to get the best out of the players that we have,” Arteta said of his midfield post-match. “I think it is clear where we need to strengthen, but at the moment it is what we have. And what we have, we have to play.”"

On his return to the team Sambi had a poor evening. So did young Patino, whose lack of pace was exposed as he struggled to adapt to the physicality of the match. Both were passengers, which is understandable to a degree given how little senior football they’ve played in over a month.

While Sambi is an excellent talent it’s clear that he needs a more senior figure alongside him. The midfield was vacant all evening with neither of the pair able to stamp any authority on the match, and allowing Ainsley Maitland-Niles to leave, a deal that makes sense, is nonetheless baffling without anyone lined up to come in. You have to respect Arteta granting his wish, even if it’s a strange one to make when you’re heading into three massive matches with what is just two senior options.

Depending on Xhaka’s absence, Sambi may only be one. Arsenal have to hit this transfer market. And hard. The drop off from Lacazette to Nketiah was also hopeless.

We knew this already. We know it even more now.