The break is over, Arsenal, time to slay goalscoring demons

Arsenal needed a break to reset after a string of poor performances, but now, it's gut-check time in north London.

Arsenal took a trip to Dubai over the Premier League winter break following a host of poor performances which resulted in three straight losses.

While the defeats are not ideal, what has been even worse is that Arsenal have been key in their own demise. Missed chance after missed chance returned to haunt the Gunners and were rightfully punished for not putting their chances away.

The break is over, Arsenal, time to slay goalscoring demons

Now, as the team returns home to north London with Crystal Palace the next assignment in the league, Arsenal's attacking woes simply must come to an end.

That will likely be easier with the return of Gabriel Jesus to the frontline, but the Gunners can't simply rely on him as the only source of goals.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard all need to return with their shooting boots on as the Gunners' title hopes will depend on it. As we veer into the second half of January, it doesn't look as if the club will seek to bolster their attack and sign another forward option.

Thus, Arteta's going to have to rely on what he's already got the rest of the way.

Currently sitting fourth in the league table, level on points with Tottenham and three behind Aston Villa (although Arsenal have a game in hand), the Gunners need to get moving if they are to reel in Liverpool and Manchester City.

Looking at the stats over the last four games, Arsenal have created a host of chances and notched a whopping 74 shots on goal, but out of those, just 18 have hit the target. That can't continue.

If it does, then we will be looking at another season that promised so much, end due to self-inflicted wounds.

The break is over, Arsenal. Get your shooting boots on.

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