Arsenal have no clinical striker and are ‘nowhere near top three’ Perry Groves
Perry Groves says Arsenal lack a clinical striker, saying they are nowhere near the top three.
He urged Mikel Arteta to manage the club’s expectations as they lack a striker and are unlikely to mount a top-four challenge.
Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal haven’t scored in any of their last four games in all competitions due to the stalemate.
The decline in form has been dramatic, especially after a brilliant performance in a 2-1 loss to Man City.
The Gunners had 20 shots but only five on target against Sean Dyche’s Clarets at the Emirates, despite enjoying 76 percent control.
Groves, a former title winner with the club, says it is now time to moderate any ambitions of returning to the Champions League.
“At the moment, Arsenal are inconsistent, ” Perry Groves told talkSPORT.
“They are not a team you think will go on and win five or six games on the trot.
“They’ve had suspensions, injuries, and let people go out on loan, COVID, but I’m not going to make excuses; today they weren’t harsh enough.” They weren’t playing in a clinical manner.
“[Pierre-Emerick] They used to have Aubameyang, but they no longer have a striker capable of scoring 20 goals per season. I’m not just referring to one person who is clinical; I’m referring to the entire team.
I’m thinking of the opportunities [Emile] Smith Rowe made for [Alexandre] Lacazette, which he should be converting into an empty net with the outside of his right foot.
“I’d challenge Arteta’s decision to bring in Eddie Nketiah after 77 minutes when the team was down a goal.
When you’re trying to break down your opponent, I don’t think you should have to wait more than an hour for your substitute to come on.
“It wasn’t a lack of effort today; it was a lack of clinical finishing and ruthlessness.”
“I like what Arteta is trying to do with the younger players; there’s a philosophy there, and I can tell what he’s trying to instill in them, which is fine.”
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