Mikel Arteta was already aware that Arsenal’s attack would require adjustment, but the manager may not have anticipated needing to make such changes so soon. Arsenal’s inability to secure a new forward in the January transfer window has left the Gunners with a depleted attacking force, made worse by Gabriel Martinelli’s recent hamstring injury during their 2-0 loss at Newcastle.
The injury occurred just after Arteta discussed the need to “try something different” with his frontline, and now that necessity has arrived faster than expected. Martinelli, who travelled to Dubai for warm-weather training, has since undergone a scan, and reports indicate he will be sidelined for at least a month. This leaves Arteta scrambling for attacking options, especially since Bukayo Saka won’t return until next month following his own hamstring injury, and Gabriel Jesus will miss the remainder of the season after knee surgery.
“We’re going to have to be very flexible in the frontline, and now the ones that we have in our feet, make sure they stay fit and keep contributing,” Arteta said, just a day before Martinelli’s injury. “At some point, we’re going to have to try something different.” That moment has now arrived, and Arteta must be resourceful to make do with what he has available.
Currently, Arsenal have three fit wingers: Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Raheem Sterling. With Martinelli out, Arteta may also look to his academy to bolster the squad. Ismael Kabia and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji have both made appearances off the bench this season, but 15-year-old Max Dowman is ineligible for Premier League action due to competition rules. This leaves Arteta with limited options, and it’s likely he will have to get creative in the coming weeks.
Interestingly, left-back is one area where Arsenal are well-stocked, with seven players capable of playing in that position. In the past, Arteta has repurposed players to fill attacking gaps, as seen when Kieran Tierney was deployed as a winger during Arsenal’s win over Dinamo Zagreb last month. It was a surprise move, but one that may now become more commonplace as Arteta looks for short-term solutions.
Tierney’s switch to the left wing would offer Arsenal a different dynamic, allowing him to use his ability to beat defenders and deliver crosses into the box. While Arteta has previously indicated that Tierney doesn’t fit his inverted full-back system, a more traditional winger role could suit the Scottish defender’s strengths. It may also provide Arsenal with a necessary outlet while they cope with injuries.
For Tierney, this could be an unexpected twist in what has been a turbulent period at Arsenal. Once viewed as a key figure for the Gunners, injuries and tactical shifts have seen his role diminish. However, as the club faces a crisis in attack, Tierney might just have a final opportunity to prove his worth in a new role before potentially leaving in the summer.