Arsenal’s recent struggles in front of goal have led manager Mikel Arteta to admit that their inefficiency could cost them the Premier League title.

This comes in the wake of the 2-0 defeat to West Ham, where Arsenal dominated possession but failed to capitalise on their chances.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has conceded that Arsenal will struggle to win the Premier League title if they continue to be inefficient in front of goal.

This admission came after Arsenal‘s 2-0 defeat to West Ham, a match where the Gunners had an overwhelming 30 shots and 77 touches in the opposition’s penalty area, yet failed to score.

The recent performance raised concerns, as Arsenal have dropped eight points in their last four Premier League games, losing their position as league leaders to Liverpool.

Arteta highlighted the need for improvement in the final stages of the pitch, saying, “If we don’t improve in the boxes, no (we won’t win the title) because at the end, that is what it is. It’s not panic. It is about trying to do more, do better and win games.”

The match against West Ham was particularly frustrating for Arsenal, with striker Gabriel Jesus coming under scrutiny for missing two golden opportunities. Despite the team’s creative play, their failure to convert chances into goals has become a pressing issue.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 28, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 28, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Looking ahead to their upcoming match against Fulham, Arteta remains focused on enhancing his team’s performance in critical moments. “Without a spark, you don’t generate what the team generated (against West Ham), it is impossible,” he said. “But it is the final thing, the final touch, the final action that puts the ball in the net or not. That is what we need.”

Arsenal‘s transfer strategy, including potential interest in strikers like Ivan Toney of Brentford, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, and Victor Osimhen of Napoli, is also under the spotlight. However, financial constraints might make it challenging to sign these players next month.

As Manchester City, with a game in hand, threaten to level on points with Arsenal, Arteta emphasised the importance of focusing on their own games rather than worrying about their rivals. “We have to do what we can control. It’s not time to look at other teams,” he stated, acknowledging the high level of competition in the league.

Arsenal‘s position at this midway point in the season, ten points behind their standing at the same time last year, adds to the urgency for the team to find their finishing touch. The Gunners’ ability to address these challenges in front of goal will be crucial as they aim to stay competitive in the race for the Premier League title.