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‘Today wasn’t about that’: Mikel Arteta glosses over key issue as Arsenal extend unwanted record

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has claimed his side need to improve their creativity following the 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa.

The Gunners were taught a footballing lesson as Dean Smith’s side emerged victorious thanks to goals by Bukayo Saka (OG) and Ollie Watkins (2).

In his post-match press conference, the Spaniard said alluded to the lack of creativity, however, didn’t seem to pay too much attention to the issue, rather focusing on the mentality of his players.

He said: “That is something we have to improve on, to create as well.”

“We need to be more ruthless, but again I wouldn’t like to [point at] anybody – today wasn’t about that, it was about how we went about the job and who we were as a team and what we were transmitting as a team.” (via Arsenal)

How many goals will Arsenal score this season?

40-49

50-59

60-69

It proves incredibly shocking to hear the former Manchester City assistant coach brush over the issue as if it doesn’t matter.

Creativity has been a problem that has plagued Arsenal since their 3-0 win away to Fulham on the opening day of the season.

The Gunners have attempted the sixth-least amount of shots in the league, less than relegation candidates Fulham, showing their lack of attacking threat in the final third. In terms of goals scored, only Wolves and the bottom four have scored less than their nine in eight games.

However, the truly shocking stat is the fact the Emirates Stadium giants haven’t scored from open play in over six hours in the Premier League. It’s a sensational amount of time especially when you consider the prices some of the attackers cost the club.

A lot needs to be sorted out at Arsenal, from formation to tactics, however, when this club struggle to score goals then that’s when something is seriously wrong.

Throughout the latter half of Wenger’s reign and in recent years, despite the obvious defensive deficiencies, the outfit have always found the back of the net. However, it seems to be a huge problem as of late and is something Arteta simply can’t gloss over at this moment in time.

Arsenal fans, is creativity the main problem for the side this season? Let us know your thoughts!

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