Jamie Carragher Highlights Arsenal’s Biggest Problem – It’s Not the Lack of a Striker

Jamie Carragher has offered an intriguing viewpoint on what has prevented Mikel Arteta and Arsenal from winning the Premier League, arguing that it has nothing to do with their striker shortage. When asked if he regretted not adding a number nine to his squad after an attack injury problem, the Gunners manager left an interview after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Even if his team’s lack of a goal scorer is obviously a weakness, Arteta insisted that it is not the cause of his team’s problems. Carragher, however, has taken the Spaniard’s side and identified areas in which he thinks Arsenal should advance.

Carragher Claims Chance Creation the Issue at Arsenal

The former Liverpool defender broke down the Gunners’ recent struggles

Carragher described the challenges the North London powerhouses faced in defeating the Red Devils during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football coverage of Newcastle’s victory against West Ham. He clarified that this was the main issue confronting Arteta, not the fact that he lacks a striker.

Carragher would clarify that it wouldn’t matter if the Gunners had access to Erling Haaland because there wouldn’t be enough opportunities for the Norwegian to benefit:

“They might need to start by bringing in more inventive players; forget about bringing in a number nine. Assuming Erling Haaland was playing for Arsenal, they would have had a number nine. Would their goal total have been higher? They would, of course, as he is a superb striker and finisher.

“But on the basis of [Arsenal’s last three games], with the best chances they have had, Erling Haaland doesn’t make any difference.”

Arsenal’s problem in scoring goals is not a finishing one, is a creation one!

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— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 10, 2025

Arsenal has been connected to players like Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko as they try to strengthen their front line, despite Arteta’s claims that the lack of a striker has nothing to do with how they have faltered in their pursuit of league leaders Liverpool.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, two of their top three scorers in the division, are presently sidelined due to injuries. They have only scored 14 goals together, though, which is fewer than the top five goal scorers this season alone.