Mohamed Salah has handed Mikel Arteta an alarming problem to solve at Arsenal

Mohamed Salah has handed Mikel Arteta an alarming problem to solve at Arsenal.

When it comes to huge chances generated in the Premier League, Arsenal is 14th, behind Luton Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Crystal Palace.

Concerningly, Arsenal has only produced seven “big chances” in the Premier League so far this year. The Gunners rank 15th, below top-flight underachievers Luton Town, despite having a wealth of creative flair, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard delivering the shots from midfield.

For comparison, Liverpool’s star Mohamed Salah, who is ranked first among all players, has produced more big-scoring opportunities than the entire Arsenal squad. The majority of the opportunities for the Gunners were created by Saka and Fabio Vieira (both two).

The two teams with the most chances in the division are Liverpool and Newcastle United (17 each), who have more than twice as many as Arsenal. With an average of 1.92 big chances per game, Mikel Arteta’s team finished sixth in this measure the previous campaign.

Arsenal, in contrast, is now only scoring 0.83 goals per game, demonstrating a lack of originality in the final third. Following the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, much has been said about the Arsenal’s attacking options, or lack thereof.

There are questions as to whether Eddie Nketiah or Gabriel Jesus are productive enough to make a meaningful Premier League push. Despite the pair’s goals, others, notably previous Arsenal greats, are still calling for more.

The Kelly and Wrighty Show interviewee Ian Wright said, “One of the worrying things has got to be the conversion of big chances.” When you blow a significant opportunity, the entire stadium can sense it. We are creating opportunities but not utilizing them. We are unable to accomplish that.

“You witnessed the opportunity Jesus blew. He put a lot of effort into achieving that position, so I thought it was unusual. You won’t win many games if you keep pressuring Tottenham to the point where you have possession of the ball in their end and then blow the opportunities. It’s a finish he ought to deliver.

I’m really frustrated by it. A striker’s mentality is necessary. Everything was at his disposal, so he simply blasted it. I’m left seriously wondering why he did that. I was shocked a lot.