Mikel Arteta’s biggest concern has materialised with Arsenal boss' U-turn confirmed

Mikel Arteta's tune has changed regarding Arsenal's squad depth and whether they can compete with the likes of Liverpool.

Fresh off a season where the Gunners netted a club-record 91 Premier League goals, the Gunners boss had faith in his side’s ability to once again spread the goal burden this term despite a number of summer exits. The only offensive addition was Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling, while Arsenal lost Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira (the latter pair on loan).

That quartet accounted for eight goals and six assists in all competitions last term, which may not seem too significant. Nonetheless, Arteta appeared anything but anxious when his side were approaching the end of what was a very slow summer transfer window last year.

"One of the biggest strengths that we have over the past two or three years has been the way we've shared the goals," he said in August (via The Mirror). "We are going to have to continue to do that. If we can on top of that get players to score 25 or 30 goals in the season, then it's the perfect combination. That's what we are trying to do."

Five senior signings arrived at Arsenal in the summer, including two goalkeepers and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori. And following serious injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, Arteta seemed less confident about his options following Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa.

"Not the result, I think when you look at the performances, I don't know how many teams are playing at this level in the league," he said after the game. "When you look at the bench you probably say, we are very, very short."

Arsenal seem particularly light in attacking areas, with no players in double figures in terms of goals for the season. Arsenal have subsequently been linked with several strikers this month, with Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, Dusan Vlahovic and Viktor Gyokeres all being mentioned.

The north Londoners took a two-goal lead against Villa last week with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz. However, former Gunners chief Unai Emery ended up leaving with a share of the spoils following two late Villa goals.

Despite Arsenal's efforts, they've secured just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. That's left them trailing pace-setter Liverpool, who have a six-point lead and a game in hand.

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has had some impact this season, but fans may wish to see more from a player of Sterling's renown. It's also worth noting the impressive rise of youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly from the academy, and the club would be worse off were it not for their smooth transition into the senior set-up.

Unfortunately, the update on Jesus is bleak, given the striker will be out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. There's a silver lining regarding Saka, however, who is slated for a late March return following hamstring surgery.

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