Arsenal have become a well-rounded team under Mikel Arteta, with top-quality options in every position on the pitch.
Despite lacking a goalscorer in the mould of Erling Haaland, Arsenal still recorded their best-ever goals tally in the Premier League last season, with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard heavily contributing.
Rather than focusing output through one main goalscorer, the strikes were spread around the team, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also chipping in from midfield.
However, despite Arsenal’s strong campaign, there were still a few issues, as there was an imbalance. Whilst the right side of the pitch thrived, with Ben White, Odegaard and Saka all linking up well, it was a different story on the left.
There was constant rotation at left-back, with both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior failing to nail down a starting spot, whilst Gabriel Martinelli could not find consistent form on the left wing.
This was a problem that Arsenal knew they had to fix this season, but it is clear that there is still plenty of work to be done to address this problem.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal pose for a photo with Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen following the pre-season friendly m…
Arsenal rank bottom of Premier League for goals from left side
Arsenal’s left side are still not contributing even close to what the opposite side offers, and The Guardian have now revealed that just 21% of the goals this season have come from that side.
This is the lowest out of any Premier League team, and highlights that this imbalance is simply not sustainable.
Martinelli did miss a huge chance against Tottenham in the North London derby, whilst Jurrien Timber has excelled in a role which sees him move into central positions rather than staying on the left, but over the course of the season, there will have to be more output from this side.
Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori and Raheem Sterling can fix Arsenal left side
Arteta was clearly aware of the problems on the left side, as the transfer window saw him sign three players who can help fix it, in Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori and Raheem Sterling.
Calafiori can come in at left-back to offer more attacking threat and support in possession, whilst Merino can slot straight into the ‘left eight’ role in midfield to replace what Granit Xhaka offered on that side.
Sterling will also be an option to add goals and speed to the left side, as an alternative to Martinelli and Trossard.
All three signings are yet to start for the club, but as the season goes on, they can all have an impact and give the left side a much-needed boost, to reduce the reliance on those on the right. With Odegaard now injured, Arsenal will need others to step up to replace his creativity.