Arteta claims Arsenal are at the top of the league in everything, apart from scoring goals

Since losing to Liverpool in the FA Cup two weeks ago, Arsenal had time to rest (training camp in Dubai) and reflect on their season so far. Ahead of today’s match with Crystal Palace, the Gunners desperately need a win. It’s been over a month since their last win (Brighton, December 17th) and they are on a three-match losing streak in all competitions and sit fourth in the table with five points behind league leaders Liverpool. And yet, coach Mikel Arteta has no problem saying that his side is statistically on top of everything except scoring goals.

“You look at all the data and it is Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal at the top. The reality is we haven’t won enough matches. There is something underneath that, it is like an onion. The first layer, second layer… we have to go to the bottom of it to understand what is making us win or lose. It is the small details, the margins and then what has happened in the penalty boxes has played a big part of that. We have to change that” said the Spaniard.

Arteta is certainly right that the lack of scoring goals is hurting his team. The Gunners managed only 37 goals, behind Manchester City (48), Tottenham (44), Aston Villa (43), Liverpool (43), Newcastle (41) and Brighton (38), while they have the best defence in the league, and most clean sheets (7). But in other categories, the Gunners are not at the top at all. In wins and shots columns they are fourth, and sixth in passes, so there are certainly more issues for Arteta. But scoring remains a problem. And there was one great scorer last season who failed to ‘show up’ this time – Emile Smith Rowe.

Thierry Henry reveals he had depression throughout his playing career

The Arsenal academy product scored 11 goals last season, but he hasn’t scored a single goal since, mainly due to a number of injuries, which obviously resulted in dip in form.

“I’m really happy with Emile. He’s on the right trajectory. He’s settled, he’s training really well. Emile is Emile. We know he’s got incredible qualities and we’re really happy to have him. What he needs now is chances to put all the desire and quality that he has on the pitch. In order to do that we have to give him minutes” said Arteta, who announced that Smith-Rowe will play today.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Saturday

15.30: (1.30) Arsenal (5.80) Crystal Palace (12.0)

20.30: (2.00) Brentford (3.60) Nott.Forest (4.10)

Sunday

17.00: (3.45) Sheffield Utd (3.45) West Ham (2.25)

19.30: (4.60) Bournemouth (3.80) Liverpool (1.75)

Monday

22.45: (1.67) Brighton (4.00) Wolverhampton (5.60)

***odds are subject to change