ARSENAL’S squad depth needs improving if they want to go all the way in the Europa League and maintain their domestic challenge.
What looked to be a comfortable, routine win away at Bodo/Glimt proved anything but as cracks began to appear in the second half.
Reiss Nelson proved he is a long way behind Gabriel Martinelli at left wing
Thomas Partey, Martinelli and William Saliba were among the first-team stars to feature in Norway
And it forced Mikel Arteta to turn to two of his standout stars of the season – Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli – to solidify his under-pressure team defensively and reinvigorate the stuttering attack.
Yes, Arsenal limped over the line to make it 11 wins from 12 this season.
But tonight has only reinforced Arteta’s strongest Arsenal XI are not being challenged just yet.
Fabio Vieira was unable to replicate his fine performance from a week ago as Albert Sambi Lokonga looked the best of the bunch to come into the side aside from No2 goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Reiss Nelson was on the plastic pitch for 59 minutes – apparently – and there are reports that Eddie Nketiah is said to have got the full 90.
And at the back, Rob Holding was the weak link and had Matt Turner and Amahl Pellegrino’s woeful finishing to thank for not handing the Norwegians an equaliser.
There is no doubt Arteta is building something special at the Emirates and the plan is not to peak this season.
The board and the fans are learning to be patient and “trust the process” – so far, so good.
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But with the Gunners proving to be Manchester City’s genuine title rivals – let alone a top-four finish – and the Europa League a genuine ambition, tonight was a stark reminder the squad isn’t deep enough for both.
Holding looked a liability in the Arctic Circle, Nelson offered nothing on his first Arsenal start in 642 days, another centre-mid is desirable and Nketiah is a major drop-off from Gabriel Jesus.
So what could Arteta do to bolster the squad in January?
On tonight’s evidence, a new centre-back and a new winger is a must.
The Gunners have already been linked with exciting Ukraine winger Mykhaylo Mudryk and Inter Milan’s experienced centre-back Milan Skriniar is out of contract in eight months – both would be excellent additions to this squad.
In the middle, Vieira is certainly an excellent addition and will take time to flourish – and time he will get – while Lokonga does a job.
But the Gunners’ last-ditch effort to sign Douglas Luiz on deadline day proved there is still room for another addition.
Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli has been heavily linked and could be a suitable candidate – although Youri Tielemans’ future remains up in the air – and Dusan Vlahovic would undoubtedly be a better understudy to Nketiah, who will be frustrated at his lack of impact in Norway.
Vlahovic only joined Juve earlier this year at Arsenal’s expense but with the Old Lady struggling, he could be tempted to move on and test himself in England.
Another option, and a cheaper one, could be Iran’s Mehdi Taremi from Porto.
Mykhaylo Mudryk is proving to be one of the rising talents in Europe
Dusan Vlahovic and Manuel Locatelli could swap Juventus for the Emirates
Milan Skriniar would add leadership and steel to Arsenal’s back line as an extra defender
