Mikael Silvestre backs Arsenal’s under-fire front three to find form

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad had a sit-down conversation with former Arsenal defender, Mikael Silvestre. During their discussion, they delved into Arsenal’s recent performances, which has seen the team secure only one victory in six matches across all competitions.

This streak of results also encompasses three Premier League losses, causing Arsenal to lose ground in the league standings to their title rivals, Liverpool. We managed to catch up with the former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre to explore the various issues related to Arsenal’s recent form as we enter the second half of the season.

In this article: 

• Arsenal can’t just rely on front three for goals
• Have teams figured out Martinelli?
• Palhinha’s Importance to Fulham could block move to Arsenal 
• Arsenal can cope with Tomiyasu’s absence

Arsenal can’t just rely on front three for goals 

Arsenal’s primary attacking trio, consisting of Bukayo Saka (nine goals), Gabriel Jesus (seven goals), and Martinelli (four goals), has collectively scored just 20 goals. These shortcomings became glaringly evident during Arsenal’s recent 2-0 defeat to West Ham at The Emirates. Despite dominating possession for significant portions of the game, Arsenal managed to fire 30 shots at West Ham’s goal but left empty-handed. Remarkably, this marked the first instance in the Premier League where a team had taken as many shots and still lost a game since December 2017.

Thierry Henry, in a recent commentary, pointed out some of the challenges Arsenal faces in front of the goal. He emphasised the need for Arsenal to find ways to increase their goal-scoring output, particularly from the front trio of Jesus, Martinelli, and Saka. However, Mikael Silvestre acknowledges these concerns but believes that Arsenal’s attacking issues extend beyond just the performance of their front three.

“From what I understand it’s more about Arsenal’s front three interacting with each other and creating chances for each other’ says Silvestre. 

“Maybe they can do that better. They combine a lot with Ødegaard, Rice and Havertz. It’s not only the front three. The relationship among Arsenal’s attacking players is more diverse than just the front three. That’s why maybe there’s not so much focus on Jesus, Martinelli and Saka interacting with each other.”

“Maybe that’s the reason why it’s not so obvious.”

Have teams figured out Martinelli? 

The recent dip in form of winger Gabriel Martinelli has drawn significant attention as a concern for Arsenal. Martinelli has encountered difficulties in replicating the outstanding performance he delivered during his breakthrough season last year. In the current season, he has managed to score only four goals for Arsenal across all competitions, a substantial drop from the impressive tally of 15 goals he contributed in the previous season. Interestingly, despite the heightened scrutiny on Martinelli’s poor form, Mikael Silvestre doesn’t share the same level of apprehension.

“I’m not concerned about Martinelli’s performances. Against Brighton he was producing a lot of good moments, whether it was combining with others or 1v1 on the left.”

“Just the fact that he’s been watched more, like Saka on the other side. People defend with two players against both of them so it’s getting more and more difficult.”

“I think he’s still very productive for Arsenal.”

Palhinha’s Importance to Fulham could block move to Arsenal 

Joao Palhinha from Fulham has emerged as the latest midfielder linked to a potential move to Arsenal. Fulham appear optimistic about retaining Joao Palhinha during the January transfer window. Nevertheless, there are reports indicating that Bayern Munich is poised to pursue their long-standing interest in Palhinha this January. Given Thomas Partey’s ongoing struggles with injuries, some have suggested that Palhinha could serve as the much-needed reinforcement to bolster Arsenal’s title ambitions. However, Mikael Silvestre remains sceptical about the feasibility of this transfer happening.

“He’s a good player and he’s been doing extremely well for Fulham.”

“I don’t know if Arsenal will move for midfielders in January. Fulham wouldn’t be happy to reinforce a neighbour. They must secure their position in the Premier League and he’s an important player, so I’d be surprised if they let him go in January.”

Arsenal can cope with Tomiyasu’s absence

With defender Takehiro Tomiyasu set to spend time away for the Asia Cup with Japan, it has been suggested that Arsenal need to prioritise bringing in a versatile defender in the January window. When available the defender has displayed how reliable he is to Arteta. Yet, his absence alongside the injury to Jurien Timber could leave Arsenal short defensively this month. However, Silvestre believes Arsenal can cope until their key players return in hope of a surge towards the title. 

“I don’t think Arsenal need to recruit in January. I think they have to wait for the players to come back from injury.”

“They’ve got a much bigger squad than they did last season and that’s why they’re not struggling that much despite Timber and Tomiyasu being injured. Partey as well.”

“These players will come back and contribute during Christmas and after.”

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