Following Mikel Arteta, Declan Rice is the latest Gunner to cast doubt on Arsenal’s striker search.
The Gunner spoke after Arsenal crushed Sheffield with their normal 5-star performance, scoring six goals for the win.
The fact that Arsenal have tallied 31 goals in their last seven games after defeating Chris Wilder’s side should give many people confidence that this Arsenal team has what it takes to fire itself to Premier League glory. Ironically, prior to the midseason break, everyone believed that only signing a top striker could propel this Arsenal side to glory.
Rice believes that the team, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz, has ample striking options. And that the difficulty wasn’t striking, but rather them getting their groove and then being ruthless.
“I think that was a narrative that we weren’t creating chances, that we needed a No 9, but in all honesty, we have been playing like this all year,” Rice said in football.london.
“All season we have been playing really well. Obviously the goals weren’t as free-flowing as they are now, but that was never a problem that we needed a No 9 — because we have got Gabi [Jesus], we have got Kai [Havertz], we have got Eddie [Nketiah] and we have got Leo [Trossard], who can play as a false nine.
“Goals are going to come. So I don’t think that has ever been a big problem. I think now we are really in our groove and we are looking really threatening in front of goal.”
Rice may just be taking the pressure off Arsenal forwards, which is good. But Arsenal do need to buy a striker, which was evident before the winter break, and I believe it should not be disregarded.
Yes, scoring goals has been easier in recent weeks, but one day, the need for a striker will become evident. On that day, Arsenal may drop points, as they did against Villa and Newcastle. If a striker’s acquisition strengthens Arsenal, why ignore it?
Darren N
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It’s only normal for DRice who belongs to a united group of players to support his team mates.
A proper striker gives the coach tactical options in some difficult physical games.
Against some dominant centre backs the likes of GJesua, Nkethiah and Trossard have been found wanting.
We need our No9 to justify reasons for their purchase and not lay back allowing other players do their jobs for them. Other players should rather complement.
If we have a proper prolific No9 why the need for a false9
I agree, fair statement.
What is Rice going to say about his teammates and possible friends?
That Jesus is a poor finisher and does not score enough goals?
That Nketiah is 1 dimensional fox in the box, and not at the level to play for a club like Arsenal?
Predictable statement you would expect from anyone currently on the team.
Next will be an article on why it is crucial to extend Elneny, and how vital it is to retain Cedric as 3rd or 4th choice RB.
A new striker should not be Arsenal priority in the transfer window, thats sheer football sense.
Man City struggles when Haaland first join as though he was scoring the team stop winning, no need to experience it to challenge the theory ourselves.
The Big German should continue to leads the line, while we strengthen the spine with another winger and powerful midfielder
Not knowing our transfer budget, it’s impossible to predict what positions (if any) will be strengthened. I don’t see the point of disrupting what has become a free scoring team just for the sake of it.
Declan’s quite correct.
Let us not be deceived by the goals we are scoring to think we do not need a striker. When the chips are down, you will agree that a goal scoring striker is the last piece to make the team complete. Rice expectedly should support his fellow players. Even if we win Champions league, we need to offload some dead woods and a quality striker.
How was it against Porto? Bro we need a striker, me, i can’t trust Havertz he can fail u when u most need him. Though me am not his fan.
Which of the 0 chances that were created against Porto would this brilliant striker have tucked away?
Only one man will decide if a new central striker is needed and he will very much he influenced by our League position at the end of the season.
A striker means one less player creating chances. Which is why it’s not a good idea for Arsenal.
We just need goal scoring forwards, ones who make us the highest scoring with the best goal difference.