Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES
Arsenal are now 13 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race. Alan Shearer has cited the Gunners’ inability to sign a striker as a key factor.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer expressed his belief that Arsenal could secure the Premier League title if they had a prolific striker leading their attack. Shearer, who holds the record for the most goals scored in the Premier League, emphasized the importance of having a reliable goal-scorer to clinch the trophy.
Speaking on Amazon Prime ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie with PSV, Shearer claimed there was ‘no doubt’ Arteta’s side would have claimed a league title had they signed a prolific forward.
Shearer pointed out that Arsenal’s failure to sign a top-class striker in recent transfer windows has cost them the chance to compete for the title. The Gunners have struggled to find a consistent goal-scorer, with Kai Havertz, who has been their main forward, suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. This injury, coupled with the absence of key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli, has left Arsenal’s attacking options severely limited.
The former Newcastle United striker highlighted that Arsenal’s inability to strengthen their attack has seen them fall 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool. Shearer believes that if Arsenal had signed a prolific forward, they would have been in a much stronger position to challenge for the title. He questioned whether it was Mikel Arteta’s decision not to sign a striker or if the club failed to deliver on his request.
Shearer also noted that having a great striker can make a significant difference in crucial matches, especially in knockout stages of competitions. He cited Liverpool’s success, which has been largely driven by Mohamed Salah’s impressive goal-scoring record, as an example of how a top-class forward can propel a team to victory.
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney agreed with Shearer, saying that not signing a striker in the summer was Arsenal’s biggest mistake. Rooney acknowledged the difficulty of finding the right player in the January transfer window but emphasized the importance of having a goal-scorer who can consistently find the back of the net.
Despite their limited attacking options, Arsenal managed to score three first-half goals in their recent Champions League last-16 tie against PSV, with midfielder Mikel Merino playing in a makeshift forward role. However, Shearer remains adamant that a great striker would have made a significant difference in their Premier League campaign.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings