Arsenal’s disappointing draw against Everton has sparked criticism of a key player, whose lackluster performance saw him lose 88% of his duels and earn a 5/10 rating. To remain competitive in the Premier League title race, Arsenal must resolve their ongoing issues on the left flank and make better use of their squad resources.

Arsenal’s title ambitions suffered another setback after a frustrating goalless draw against relegation-threatened Everton. Despite dominating possession with an impressive 77%, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to convert their control into goals, exposing lingering issues in their attacking setup.

The match underscored Arsenal’s ongoing struggles in the final third. Although the team showed glimpses of dominance, their inability to capitalize on opportunities prevented them from securing three crucial points. Bukayo Saka delivered a commendable performance, creating three key passes and delivering ten crosses. However, he lacked sufficient support to break through Everton’s defensive lines.

In contrast, Gabriel Martinelli had a disappointing outing, raising concerns about the depth of Arsenal’s attacking options. Matched against Everton’s 39-year-old Ashley Young, Martinelli failed to make an impact. He completed none of his four attempted dribbles, lost possession 14 times, and won just one of eight duels. This subpar performance earned him a 5/10 rating from Football.London and further highlighted his inconsistent contributions this season.

The left flank remains a notable weakness for Arsenal, particularly since Granit Xhaka’s departure in 2023. Despite rotating Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in this role, the team has struggled to find consistency. This ongoing instability has left Arsenal vulnerable and unbalanced, with no immediate solutions evident.

To address these challenges, Arsenal could explore several options. Integrating promising young talents like Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly may inject fresh energy and creativity into the attack. Alternatively, acquiring a proven left-sided winger, such as Mohammed Kudus or Alexander Isak, could bring much-needed stability and depth to their offensive lineup.

Beyond personnel changes, tactical adjustments could also benefit the team. Returning key players like Thomas Partey to their natural positions might stabilize the midfield and improve defensive transitions. Additionally, streamlining the squad by offloading players without clear roles could free resources for more impactful signings.

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes are increasingly at risk. Manchester City’s continued dominance leaves little room for error, and if Arsenal cannot resolve their attacking inefficiencies and left-flank issues, their chances of staying in the title race may fade further.

The next few fixtures will be pivotal in determining whether Arsenal can rediscover their winning mentality. With pressure mounting, the team must act swiftly to address their weaknesses and maintain their ambitions in the face of fierce competition.