Arsenal FC: Five Alternative Strikers
Much of the blame for Arsenal’s annual end of season capitulation has rightfully been placed on an unconvincing back four. The team’s frailty at set pieces continues to be its Achilles heel. A problem at the other end of the pitch also manages to undermine Arsenal when it matters most.
Lauded for their free scoring ways, Arsenal’s touch in front of goal has often deserted them at crucial times. The stats may display the customary ‘100 plus goals in all competitions' but this can be misleading.
In their ill fated Carling Cup final against Birmingham City, Arsenal fired in excess of 20 shots. They managed only a solitary goal. The Premier League challenge began to falter following successive home draws against Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers. Defensive ineptitude was not the culprit on these two occasions. Both games ended 0-0 and the Gunners had failed to take advantage of Manchester United’s slip ups.
Arsenal continued to draw blanks at the grounds of their fiercest title rivals. Failure to score at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge is in danger of becoming an inevitable and costly reality. The double of 2001/02 was built upon the foundation of scoring in every league game.
Too often Arsenal dominated possession with little or nothing to show for it. ‘Lack of cutting edge’ is becoming as frequent a criticism as aerial vulnerability. Many big name strikers have been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer. With the club needing to invest heavily in its leaky defense, here are five alternative striker options worth considering.
Dimitar Berbatov
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Since his omission from the Champions League final squad, Berbatov has been heavily linked with an Old Trafford exit. The languid Bulgarian represents an interesting option for Arsene Wenger.
Berbatov’s trickery and movement could open up increased space for Arsenal’s attacking midfielders. His leading Premier League goal haul shows him still well capable of finding the net. While he can appear a static figure at times, Berbatov may find a more suitable home in Arsenal’s measured, elaborate playing style.
Tall and competent in the air, Berbatov would take the pressure off Robin Van Persie to hold the ball up—a job the Dutchman is ill suited to. This would provide Arsenal with a valuable outlet ball, particularly against teams who like to press them high up the pitch.
The Red Devils striker could return to Tottenham Hotspur, for a mere 10 million euros. Securing Berbatov from under the noses of bitter local rivals would represent a major coup for Arsene Wenger. For Berbatov, it could lead to a career renaissance similar to the great Dennis Bergkamp.
Diego Milito
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In 2009/10 this resourceful Argentinean forward was pivotal in Inter’s treble success. Injuries derailed him last season and a cheap exit from the San Siro is a possibility.
Milito would be a perfect fit for Arsenal. Strong and resilient in the box, he would bring needed calmness and composure to Arsenal’s strike force. Milito is equally adept at creating opportunities for his team mates, a key requirement in Arsene Wenger’s fluid strategy.
31 may seem too old for some, but the current Gunners crop desperately needs to be rounded out with valuable, genuine experience. A recent European Cup winner would lift the mood of the squad.
Argentinean players have occasionally struggled to settle in England. If Arsenal’s proposed swoop for Velez midfielder Ricky Alvarez materialises, pairing two compatriots together could go a long way to easing the transition.
Salomon Kalou
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A bit part player at Stamford Bridge, Salomon Kalou could add some new options to the Arsenal forward line. Arsene Wenger has a known liking for the Ivory Coast international. The French tactician could be tempted by the relatively cheaper cost of Kalou compared to other targets.
Kalou would bring the ability to play either on the wing or through the middle. His pace likely makes him a better option for the middle. Kalou would need to work on timing his runs better, to take advantage of the service Arsenal’s attacking talent would provide him.
The current Chelsea impact sub would also need to become more consistent in front of goal. If played directly, Kalou’s speed could move the team back to a game plan similar to the one employed during the Nicolas Anelka years.
Kalou’s sporadic form makes him a risk, but he would arrive with ready made Premiership and trophy winning experience.
Nicolas Anelka
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The talented but moody Frenchman could find himself forced out as Chelsea continue to try and justify their huge investment in Fernando Torres. A player who starred for the Gunners as a teenager, Anelka could again be a surprise solution for Arsene Wenger.
His golden boot campaign in 2008/09 proved Anelka still has the touch in front of goal. The pace may have gone, but the shrewdness and savvy in and around the box have only increased.
Anelka demonstrated a willingness and comfort last season playing in a deep lying forward role. His craft in this area could lead to some clever interplay with Robin Van Persie. This would also offer the perfect foil for the lightning runs of Theo Walcott.
At 32, Anelka’s age may count against him. As a player well versed in the combative nature of the Premier League and perhaps seeking to go out on a high, he could prove the ideal choice. Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of former players before. Those players didn’t leave under the same cloud as Anelka.
Marvin Emnes
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Aged just 22 and blessed with the requisite ball skills of a young Dutch forward, Emnes would be an interesting player for Arsene Wenger to mould. Emnes impressed last season for Championship promotion chasers Swansea City.
Capable of neat, close control and devilishly quick on the turn, Emnes would offer the Gunners attack great flexibility. He is capable of playing as a winger or supporting striker and would be an asset in Arsenal’s hybrid formations.
The Middlesbrough striker would need to prove capable of coping with the rigours of a top flight playing schedule. Emnes may not be a big name talent but, given the chance, he could excel in a better team.
Arsenal's desire to fortify a shaky defense, musn't rule out the need to become more clinical in front of goal. Whether a poacher or link player arrives, the main responsibility of the new man must be to ease the goalscoring burden on Robin Van Persie.
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