The equation for Arsenal to lift a trophy is very simple. Add a more prolific goal scorer.
It is easy to see that Arsene Wenger knows this as Arsenal has been linked to almost every great striker on the transfer market this term. If no attacking talent is added this season Arsenal again will come up empty-handed at the end of the season.
The Emirates Cup provided an example about why Arsenal needs to add a goal scorer and play maker to the team. Arsenal dominated possession against Napoli and Galatasaray but failed to convert chances that would have ultimately lead to wins; instead of a tie and loss.
The lack of skill in front of goal hurt the Gunners badly in these games and will destroy their chances of winning a title this season if it does not improve.
Wenger knows the way to win titles in the English Premier League is to have an extremely potent attack. All of Wenger’s best teams have had prolific scores coupled with great play making midfielders.
These teams all produced a massive amount of goals.
Wenger’s first double winning team, the 97-98 team, was only held scoreless in five games that season. The goal scoring talents of Dennis Bergkamp, Nicolas Anelka, and Marc Overmars combined to overwhelm opponents with talent, pace and finishing ability.
These players always seemed to always take the opportunities to score, while the new Arsenal strike force seem to often muck up an easy chance for a goal.
In Wenger’s second double winning season, 2001-02, The Gunners managed to score in every league game. This high scoring team was led again by Bergkamp, but additions Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord made this attacking a trio a step up from the prolific 97-98 team.
These three attacking geniuses acquired a combined 62 league goals while Freddie Ljunberg added another 17 goals. These players overwhelmed opponents in every aspect of attack.
The unbeaten team of 2004-05 is arguably best team ever in Premier League history and they are also Wenger’s best attacking team.
This team had even more attacking options with the addition of Jose Antonio Reys. The Invincible’s were unstoppable on the attack with a countless number of goal scorers and playmakers.
Everytime Wenger’s team has won a trophy their attacking firepower has been unmatched in the league.
The pieces for another attacking powerhouse are coming together on this current team but some pieces need to be fielded. Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Thomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, and Aaron Ramsey are all great attacking players who can pick a pass but more goals are needed from this lot if they plan to challenge for the title.
Even if the midfielder add more goals the strikers up top must increase their goal-scoring tally from last season to have a shot at a trophy. The strikers were just too inconsistent last season to be considered an élite attacking force like Wenger’s championship teams.
The flanks of the attack have players in tact that are some of the best in the world.
Theo Walcott who managed to have more goals and more assists last year, Tottenham’s Gareth Bale, is steadily increasing his play over the years and will continue to develop.
While on the opposite side German International Lukas Podolski is one of the more experienced attackers in the game today. His experience and rocket of a left foot are attributes for any attacking flank man.
The only doubt in the attack is center man Olivier Giroud. The imposing Frenchman scored sporadically in last year’s campaign. Giroud missed plenty of easy chances that cannot be missed this year.
One major downfall for Giroud is that he cannot create his own chance or stretch a defense with a quick over the top run.
All of Wenger’s teams have had forwards who posses both of those traits. Wenger must bring in a talent striker who can create his own shot and make dangerous runs over the top of defenses.
This is the only way his brand of attacking fluid football works.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez would be the perfect focal point in Wenger’s 4-2-3-1 system. Suarez’s ability to create his own shot as well as provide for others would make him the perfect fit.
Wenger would have a dream squad of attacking options if he decides to splash the cash on Suarez.
If Suarez were added Arsenal would have a definite shot at challenge for trophy this upcoming season. Wenger who would likely be put off by the heft price tag for Suarez could also find a cheaper striker to complement Giroud.
With Giroud being a powerful force in the air and commanding maximum attention in the box by defender Wenger should look for a speedier technical striker.
A striker would pair well with Giroud and would be hard for defense to match up to both.
Adding a player with Suarez’s top-flight abilities would give Wenger more options in attack. Wenger must add attacking power up front this season if he expects to win a trophy.
His best teams always had plenty of attacking firepower proving it works in the past, this could be the key to winning a title.
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