Fill striking gap - and unleash a new mindset

Mikel Arteta has earned the right to have more time to win the Premier League for Arsenal. But Roy Keane was spot on about one thing: going from challengers to champions is his biggest task after transforming the club since 2019. And this summer's transfer activity - including keeping hold of their own big players - will be key.

- NEIL MCLEMAN

After finishing eighth in his first two seasons in charge, Arsenal are set for a hat-trick of runners-up positions and another elimination in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Last season they accumulated 89 Premier League points (at 2.34 points per game) - but this season the average has dropped to 1.96 while the gap to the leaders has increased. Injuries, especially up front, explains some of this decline. But so does the lack of tactical flexibility as the Gunners have been unable to break down teams who sit deep.

Not everyone defends like PSV Eindhoven.

The keeper and defence are solid - William Saliba must be kept - and Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are two of the best midfielders in Europe.

But the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz have shown that at least two more attacking players are needed.

ANDY DUNN

The idea that Arteta has taken the club as far as he can is almost preposterous.