Arsenal closed out 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, but the performance left more questions than answers for Mikel Arteta.
Kai Havertz provided the decisive goal, capitalizing on a cross from Gabriel Martinelli that Leandro Trossard expertly redirected into his path. The win lifted Arsenal to second place, leapfrogging Chelsea and keeping Liverpool in their sights. Yet, the match underscored glaring issues that demand immediate attention as the January transfer window looms.
The absence of Bukayo Saka was keenly felt. Saka, sidelined after suffering an injury at Crystal Palace, is expected to miss over two months, leaving a significant void on Arsenal’s right flank. Martinelli, tasked with filling that role, showed flashes of promise early on but faded as the game progressed. While his contributions were instrumental in creating Havertz’s goal, there was a noticeable lack of consistent drive and penetration, traits that Saka brings in abundance.
The thinness of Arsenal’s attacking options was evident even before kick-off. With both Saka and Raheem Sterling unavailable, Arteta was unable to name a single forward on the bench. The 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri was the only attacking option, but his natural position is more central, and he remained an unused substitute. The reliance on a limited pool of attackers raises serious concerns about the squad’s depth as the team prepares for a packed schedule in January.
Arteta’s post-match confirmation of Saka’s extended absence has intensified the urgency for reinforcements. The Gunners are set to compete in four different competitions next month, making squad rotation essential. Without adequate depth, the burden on players like Martinelli and Trossard will only increase, heightening the risk of fatigue and further injuries. The January transfer window now represents a critical opportunity for Arsenal to address these vulnerabilities.
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Transfer links to players such as Matheus Cunha have surfaced, but concrete moves are yet to materialize. Arsenal cannot afford to hesitate, especially given the lack of a permanent sporting director. The absence of leadership in this key role must not be an excuse for inactivity. The team’s ambitions hinge on Arteta and the club’s hierarchy acting decisively to bring in reinforcements.
The Ipswich match highlighted Arsenal’s reliance on Saka and the challenges of compensating for his absence. While Martinelli, Trossard, and Havertz have shown their quality, they need support. The Gunners’ inability to dominate against a side like Ipswich, despite controlling possession for large stretches, is a concerning sign. A stronger bench with versatile attacking options could have allowed Arteta to change the game more effectively in the second half.
The Gunners’ current situation also brings into focus the development of young talents like Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. While their potential is undeniable, relying on inexperienced players to carry the team through a challenging period is a gamble. Nwaneri’s omission from the Ipswich game suggests that Arteta is cautious about overexposing him, but this approach further emphasizes the need for experienced reinforcements.
Second Half of the Season
As Arsenal prepare for the second half of the season, the stakes are higher than ever. Competing on multiple fronts requires a squad equipped with both depth and quality. The potential for injuries, fatigue, and loss of form makes it imperative for the club to act decisively in the transfer market. Failure to do so could derail their ambitions and leave Arteta facing criticism for not addressing obvious shortcomings.
The spotlight will also be on how Arteta manages his current resources. Players like Trossard and Martinelli must step up, but they cannot carry the load alone. Tactical adjustments, effective rotation, and a clear plan for integrating new signings will be crucial in maintaining momentum.
Arsenal’s victory over Ipswich may have secured three points, but it also served as a reminder of the challenges ahead. The January transfer window is an opportunity to strengthen and solidify their position as title contenders. With Liverpool setting the pace at the top, Arsenal cannot afford to falter. The next few weeks will reveal whether the Gunners are ready to back their manager and seize the moment.