Talking Tactics: How Gunners can fire again after worrying slump

The winter break has come at a kind time for Arsenal following three defeats on the bounce.

Last Sunday's 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the FA Cup third round proceeded back-to-back Premier League humblings against West Ham and Fulham.

The Gunners had a combined 61 shots in the three previous matches but scored just one goal from an xG of 6.47 —  Bukayo Saka's tap-in at Craven Cottage.

With the players jetting off to Dubai for warm weather training, where finishing drills will likely be high on the agenda, we take a look at how Mikel Arteta can get his misfiring side back on track.

Midfield conundrum

While the forwards have been anything but clinical, the imbalance of Arsenal's engine room is certainly not helping matters. 

Kai Havertz has not been able to fill the void left by Granit Xhaka on the left-hand side of the midfield three, while the German proved against Liverpool that he is not clinical enough to be trusted as the No9 either.

It is no coincidence that in the absence of the more creative and progressive Xhaka, Gabriel Martinelli's threat from the left wing has dwindled with just two goals in 18 Premier League appearances.

The Swiss enforcer's positional intelligence also freed up Martin Odegaard to operate further forward and link up with Saka on the right.

As such, finding a proper heir to Xhaka's throne should be a priority for Arteta and Declan Rice could be an option, with Jorginho or Thomas Partey occupying the No6 role.

Overreliance

Much of Arsenal's success last season hinged on Saka and Martinelli's ruthless efficiency in front of goal.

The pair of 22-year-olds scored 29 times in the Premier League between them, while captain Odegaard chipped in with 15 of his own.

But relying on two young wingers to continue delivering world-class output was always going to be a risky move, particularly as opposing teams have become wise to the situation and regularly assign multiple players to try and thwart them.

A small tweak in tactics from Arteta to afford the pair more space in dangerous areas could change the outlook of the forward line, while additional support from the full-backs would surely be hugely beneficial.

Ben White has reportedly been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks and getting him back to full fitness may spark an upturn in Saka's form.

Bring in a new striker

Arteta played down talk of signing a striker this month following the defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup.

However, bringing in a new face — whether on loan or permanently — would undoubtedly be a huge boost and importantly provide more strings to Arsenal's attacking bow.

Gabriel Jesus and Havertz offer so much in the build-up and can hold the ball up well but have done little to disprove their reputations as below-par finishers.

Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah's all-round game requires a lot of work if he is to establish himself as the team's main No9.

Arsenal need a striker who combines the positive attributes of all three, with Brentford ace Ivan Toney the ideal candidate.

But the Gunners cannot afford to meet the Bees' £100million valuation of their prized asset, so the North Londoners may need to get creative if they want to use the transfer market to fix their issues.