Arsenal have frequently been criticised for relying heavily on set pieces to secure victories rather than demonstrating sufficient creativity in open play. This has raised questions about the team’s ability to consistently challenge for the highest honours in the league, despite being regarded as one of the leading contenders for the title when the season concludes.
The club strengthened their squad during the most recent transfer window, investing significantly in attacking options such as Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres. With these additions, many supporters believe there should be little justification for any shortcomings in the forward line. While improvements were made across different areas of the team, the attack remains a particular focus of expectation and scrutiny.
Early Season Performance
Despite the substantial investment and clear intention to enhance their squad, Arsenal’s start to the season has not been entirely convincing. They have already featured in three league matches, mirroring the schedule of their rivals, and have dominated the majority of these encounters in terms of possession and overall control of play. Nevertheless, questions linger about their effectiveness in converting this dominance into tangible scoring opportunities.
According to Football365, Arsenal are currently the only club in the league to have created just one big chance from open play so far this season. This is in contrast with the other nineteen Premier League teams, all of whom have generated more. A big chance is typically understood to be an opportunity that a team is expected to score from more often than not, and this statistic suggests that the Gunners are not making the most of their attacking potential in free-flowing situations.
Looking Ahead
The season is still in its early stages, and it is widely acknowledged that new players often require time to fully integrate and build chemistry with their teammates. It is therefore reasonable to anticipate that Arsenal’s statistics in this area will improve as the campaign progresses. The blend of talent assembled within the squad suggests that better attacking output from open play is achievable, provided the forward line develops greater fluidity and understanding.
While reliance on set pieces has been a recurring theme in criticism of Arsenal, the presence of newly acquired attacking talent offers a platform for improvement. Supporters will be hoping that as the season unfolds, the side can demonstrate greater sharpness in open play and convert dominance into consistent goals, thereby solidifying their credentials as genuine title contenders.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
As plain as the nose on your face and a massive handicap to this teams chances on winning, or as looks likely (if this continues) NOT.
Only one chance from open play!. As many as that, keep up the good work guys. 😂
🤣🤣🤣 a shocking stat, Derek!!
Morning Sue,
Your not wrong. As stats go that’s a belter. Three games played, we should at least be able to say three chances from open play. At least that would be 1 a game. It’s minus 2 currently. 😂👍
Shocking statistic to say the least. How much is down to the players and how much due to the tactics.
If you can’t criticize this statistic, then what can you criticize?
Seems like with more depth and a top striker we are playing more conservative than ever.
Early days, but wow not a lot to be said about the attack in general.
Durand,
What are you thinking. Criticizing isn’t allowed, it’s classed as negative and we all know that’s terrible thing don’t we.
For me, whether it be positive or negative they both have their place in the discussions. But not to certain poster’s it seems. 🤔🙄
Durand, I’d say it’s the tactics, as the players are as good as any and better than most in the Premier League.
Durand, take into consideration the fact that we have played both manure and pool in their own backyards for a minute.
When we played Leeds at home, there was no lack of attacking football.
Of course we have, hopefully, improved our attacking options and I believe MA got his starting eleven spot on now (I would have played Eze and Nwaneri) but when I expected us to summons the cavalry at the start of the second half (55th minute perhaps?) it didn’t happen.
As for Raya and his height / positioning viewpoint, can I remind you of the two Rice free kicks against RM?
One of the tallest keepers in the game today I believe, certainly one of the best and he was beaten by the accuracy and bend of the ball.
All three goals were examples of the perfect goal and I can’t think of any situation where Raya has been beaten because of his height.
Good to chat my friend!!
Is this correct? Is it 1 from open play in each game or is it 1 from open play across 3 games?
1 from open play in each game would be cause for concern. But this!
Most expensive squad to play like Stoke.