REVEALED: The big problem that Arteta’s Arsenal will need to fix next season

While Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal enjoyed a remarkable season, finishing second in the Premier League with a club-record 89 points, a closer look at the goalscoring statistics reveals a potential area for concern heading into the 2024/25 campaign.

Despite their impressive overall tally of 91 goals, Arsenal’s goals from open play have dipped compared to the previous season. While penalties (10) and set-pieces (22) contributed significantly, the number of goals scored from open play (59) fell short of the 70 achieved in the 2022/23 season.

Here’s a breakdown of the goals by source:

| Season | Corner | Direct | Free Kick | Open | Penalty | Throw | Total |
|———|——–|——–|———–|——|———|——-|——-|
| 2022-23 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 70 | 3 | 0 | 88 |
| 2023-24 | 16 | 0 | 3 | 59 | 10 | 3 | 91 |

This trend raises questions about Arsenal’s ability to break down defenses consistently and create clear-cut scoring chances from open play. While the team’s attacking prowess remains undeniable, the reliance on penalties and set-pieces suggests a potential vulnerability that could be exploited by tougher opponents.

Addressing this challenge will be crucial for Arteta and his team as they aim for the Premier League title next season. Improving their open play efficiency will be key to consistently outperforming rivals and achieving their ultimate goal. The summer transfer window, as well as further tactical refinements, will provide opportunities for Arsenal to address this specific area and enhance their overall attacking potency.