As the defense shines, the offense needs to catch up

Okay, Arsenal is eleven matches into the Premier League season.  The club currently is in fifth place with twenty points, and has is riding an eight game unbeaten string in the league, and ten in all competitions.

Except for a few nicks and cuts, bangs and bruises, the team is pretty healthy going into the November international break. Even Granit Xhaka is on the mend and is back with the squad having light training sessions.

Defensively, Arsenal has really got their act together since the emergence of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Nuno Tavraes s a defensive wall. In their last eight league matches, the Gunners have conceded only three goals, while recording five clean sheets. This is a remarkable turnaround after the dismal defensive start the lads had back in August. Kudos to the defense, and as we say in America, “Defense wins championships.”

However, on the flip side of the coin is our offense. Through eleven Premier League matches we have scored just thirteen goals. Now, keep in mind we scored zero in the first three matches of the season. At any rate, 13 goals equals 1.18 goals per game, and that’s not going to get it done through the remainder of the 27 league matches yet to play. With the front line talent Mikel Arteta has at his disposal, and with a blossoming midfield, the goals must begin to accumulate. After eleven matches our goal differential is a fat zero!

Now, I think statistics can tell a lot about how things are going. So, let’s take a look at the key offensive stats provided by PremierLeague.com. Gauge for yourselves where you think the work needs to get done.

After looking at these numbers, where does Arteta and his staff need to put more of their focus? It seems like we are getting chances, put why aren’t the goals flying in?

Now, I don’t mind a 1-0 win any day of the week, put with the striking talent we have, it seems something is still missing on the offensive end of the pitch.

Let’s hope these offensive numbers greatly improve once the season resumes on the 20th!

Cheers.

Gunner1953