Arsenal ‘have gone backwards’ from an attacking point of view, Jamie Redknapp has claimed.
The Gunners are chasing Liverpool in the Premier League title race, currently six points behind the Reds, who have a game in hand, after both sides drew their respective games at the weekend.
Much has been made of Arsenal’s perceived struggled in front of goal this season. They are the joint-third highest scorers in the Premier League with 39 goals this season, but nine have been from corners.
In Bukayo Saka’s absence, the Gunners scored one against Ipswich, three against Crystal Palace and one against Brighton. The perception has been that, creatively, they have struggled from open play.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been the runners-up in the Premier League to Manchester City in the last two years, and could have pounced as City struggle this term. Yet, it is Liverpool who lead the pack.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash with Newcastle, Redknapp urged Arsenal to up their game – one he argued is regressing.
‘I think the reason is, I certainly felt this was their year,’ Redknapp said. ‘When you see how Manchester City have really struggled, they probably thought they would be in a position seven or eight points clear, Manchester City in the distance.
‘But Liverpool have obviously surprised us all. but they have to find something. I feel to a certain extent in their performances as an attacking team they have gone backwards since last year and the year before and even the year before that.
‘They have got to find some rhythm in their game. They have not been enjoyable to watch this year. They come alive when there’s a set piece. there has got to be more to the game than that.’
More to follow.
