“Hammered” at the Emirates

On Thursday, the Gunners produced thirty shots, eight shots on target and controlled the ball 74% of the match, yet scored zero goals and went home empty handed following a 0-2 defeat to West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.

The lads opened the match playing superb football. Everything was clinking, but the goals did not follow. The result leaves Arsenal two points behind Liverpool at the Premier League’s halfway point. Also, it was the team’s first home defeat of the season.

Here’s what Mikel Arteta told Arsenal.com following the match, “If we don’t score goals in thirty shots, we have to do fifty or sixty to try to score, it’s the only thing. I cannot imagine a game that you have more dominance, more touches in the box, less situations of the opponents against a really good West Ham side, but today wasn’t enough to win the game.”

What is happening to Arsenal’s goal scoring? The Gunners are 7th in the league in goals scored, but 2nd in goals allowed. To win the league title, Arteta needs to find more goals from someone.

Yes, I know this sounds like a broken record, however, we can not depend on defense and goalkeeping alone to win games. Not in this league. January is a chance to right the ship. Is Ivan Toney the answer? Many feel he would be the right choice, however, he will be both difficult and expensive to sign next month. In my opinion, we need Toney or another big, physical striker who can find the back of the net on a regular basis. That seems to be the missing piece.

A side note…West Ham United haa now beaten the Gunners twice this season. Remember the 1-3 defeat in the Carabao Cup at London Stadium on November 1st? David Moyes and the Hammers seem to have the Gunners number this season. We’ll have one last shot at the Hammers in London Stadium on February 11th.

Next up is Fulham on New Year’s Eve at Craven Cottage. See you on Sunday.

No cheers today.

Gunner1953