Arsenal’s recent struggles in front of goal have highlighted a major weakness that has persisted throughout the 2024/25 season. After ending the previous campaign with an impressive scoring run, Mikel Arteta’s side has failed to maintain that attacking prowess, leading to mounting frustration. One of the club’s key players, Bukayo Saka, has now expressed his disappointment over the decision to offload a promising academy striker who has been in outstanding form since leaving the Emirates. The lack of goals has only intensified concerns, especially as Arsenal’s attack appears to have lost its edge compared to last season.
Following a strong 2023/24 season in which they were close to winning the title, Arsenal entered the new campaign with high expectations. Their attack had been one of the most dangerous in the league, delivering emphatic victories against several teams. However, fast-forward a year, and the same squad looks far less threatening in the final third. A combination of injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of reinforcements has left the team struggling to replicate their past attacking dominance.
A major setback for Arsenal came when Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury in the FA Cup, ruling him out for an extended period. Gabriel Martinelli’s absence due to injury further depleted their attacking options, while Saka himself has dealt with recurring hamstring issues. Despite these challenges, the club opted not to bring in a new forward during the January transfer window, leaving Arteta with limited choices in attack. The failure to strengthen the squad has been a key factor behind their recent goal-scoring troubles.
With a lack of natural strikers available, Arteta has had to get creative with his tactics. In an attempt to solve their attacking woes, he has experimented with unorthodox solutions, including deploying Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino as a false nine and pushing left-back Riccardo Calafiori into forward positions. However, these makeshift adjustments have failed to produce consistent results, leaving Arsenal struggling to convert chances into goals. The team’s inefficiency in front of goal has become a growing concern for both the manager and the fans.
Saka, who has always been vocal about the club’s future, reportedly advised Arteta against selling one of Arsenal’s most promising young forwards. Mika Biereth, a product of the Hale End academy, has been on fire since leaving the club, scoring an incredible 20 goals in just seven games for his new team. His extraordinary goal-scoring run has only deepened the sense of regret at Arsenal, with many questioning the decision to let him go at a time when the team desperately needed attacking reinforcements. Saka’s frustration reflects the broader dissatisfaction within the club.
Biereth had shown immense promise during his time in Arsenal’s youth ranks, consistently delivering standout performances. He earned a place in the U21 squad and was considered one of the most talented young strikers at the club. However, despite his potential, Arsenal failed to integrate him into the first team, ultimately deciding to sell him. That decision now looks like a significant mistake, especially given the team’s ongoing struggles in front of goal. Biereth’s success elsewhere has only emphasized the club’s failure to recognize and nurture his talent.
Since leaving Arsenal, Biereth has emerged as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Europe. His ability to finish with both feet, intelligent movement, and composure in front of goal have made him a nightmare for defenders. While Arsenal struggles to score, Biereth continues to thrive, making a strong case that he could have been the solution to the Gunners’ attacking issues. The decision to part ways with him appears increasingly shortsighted as Arsenal’s lack of firepower continues to cost them valuable points.
The failure to sign a forward in January has further exposed Arsenal’s lack of attacking depth. Their struggles have been evident in recent games, with the team managing just two goals in their last three matches—both scored by Merino, a midfielder. The inability to secure targets like Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko has left Arteta relying on Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and young Ethan Nwaneri. However, none of them have provided the consistent goal-scoring threat that Biereth has been showcasing since his departure.
Arsenal’s decision to sell Biereth is now being widely criticized, with former players, pundits, and fans questioning the club’s judgment. The situation mirrors past mistakes, such as letting Serge Gnabry and Donyell Malen leave, only to see them flourish elsewhere. If Arsenal fails to address their goal-scoring issues soon, the regret over Biereth’s departure will continue to grow. For now, Arteta must find a way to make do with his current squad, but the lack of a clinical striker could prove costly in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
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