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Pundit points key issue that could thwart Arsenal win title

By on December 12, 2023

Mikel Arteta Arsenal

Former attacker turned pundit Paul Merson has sent a warning to Arsenal regarding a key issue that could prevent them from lifting the Premier League title this season.

Despite mounting a title charge last term, the Gunners failed to go all the way after running out of gas during the business end. So, Mikel Arteta opted to strengthen the squad by splashing big money last summer in order to challenge on all fronts this season.

The North London club have enjoyed a promising season this term, accumulating 36 points from 16 games. They were even at the top of the league, however, following a disappointing defeat against Aston Villa last time out, Arteta’s side have now slipped down to second position.

Now, writing on Sky Sports, Merson has claimed the issue that could thwart Arsenal from winning the league title this season is the ‘centre-forward position as they don’t have a prolific striker – which was clear versus the Villans as despite dominating the game, the Gunners couldn’t find the back of the net.

The pundit further states that Ivan Toney is a really good player and he could be an excellent option for Arsenal. However, it’s not sure whether Brentford will allow his departure in January.

Pundit says one issue can prevent Arsenal from winning the title

Merson also raises the question of whether Toney can showcase his best for a big club like Arsenal as David Raya and Moises Caicedo have been struggling to perform at their best in recent times after taking the next step last summer.

Merson wrote:

“What will Arsenal’s downfall potentially be this season? It will be no centre forward. They dominated Aston Villa at the weekend, but they couldn’t score a goal.

“I think Ivan Toney could be in demand. Sometimes you become a better player when you are out of the game. But will Brentford sell him? I don’t think they can afford to, especially with a couple of their players going to the Africa Cup of Nations. Does Toney want to go? Will he want to show some loyalty to Brentford? It’s a really hard one to call.

“It is a lot of money. I do think he is a really good player, but he hasn’t been at a top club yet and we are seeing that with David Raya and Moises Caicedo at the moment. It’s so different playing for Brentford, no disrespect, to playing for Arsenal or Chelsea. There’s so much scrutiny playing for the top clubs.”

Although Arsenal’s centre-forwards, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, have struggled to score goals this season, other players have contributed this season. So, they are one of the most prolific sides in the English top-flight at the moment.

However, it is apparent their strikers have found it difficult to finish off chances so signing a new centre-forward in January could be a shrewd decision for Arsenal.