Arsenal took advantage of Liverpool’s slip-up in their recent 2-2 draw with Everton by securing a 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday afternoon. However, fans have voiced their concerns over the makeshift attacking trio of Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri.
Throughout the 2024/25 Premier League season, injuries have plagued the north London side, forcing them to field a weakened starting XI. Their injury crisis deepened further with the latest setback concerning Kai Havertz, who reportedly suffered a hamstring injury during a training camp in Dubai following Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-final second leg. Gabriel Martinelli also remains sidelined.
The most significant blow has been the long-term absence of Bukayo Saka, widely regarded as one of the world’s top wingers. The London-born star has not featured since mid-December, when Arsenal thrashed Crystal Palace 5-1, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with a major selection dilemma.
Arsenal’s Makeshift Attack and Their Performance
In Saka’s absence, Arteta opted for a blend of youth and experience in attack against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s relegation-threatened Leicester City. Nwaneri, who has stepped up impressively despite being six years younger than Saka, has been a revelation this season. Fearless, skillful, and determined, the 17-year-old showed his promise once again.
Against Leicester, he was Arsenal’s standout performer, hitting the woodwork twice and providing an assist in a composed display on the right flank. His statistics were impressive, completing 88% (6/7) of his dribbles and being heavily involved in the game with 62 touches—highlighting his influence in Arsenal’s attacking play.
On the left side, Sterling struggled to make an impact and was substituted in the 69th minute for central midfielder Mikel Merino. In his nearly 70-minute spell, Sterling failed to register a shot, completed 79% (19/24) of his passes, won only one of six duels, and lost possession 13 times—falling short of expectations.
Ironically, his replacement, Merino, ended up being the match-winner, scoring both goals in a dream performance as an unlikely poacher. Given Arsenal’s lengthy injury list, Sterling may still have a role to play, but if the squad was fully fit, this could have been his last significant outing in an Arsenal shirt.
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