Mohammed Salah gives Arteta fresh headache

Arsenal sit 14th – behind Luton Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace – when it comes to big chances created in the Premier League

Arsenal have worryingly created just seven “big chances” in the Premier League this season. Despite having creative flair in abundance, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard providing the bullets from midfield, the Gunners rank 15th, lower than top-flight strugglers Luton Town.

For context, Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, who tops the charts in the individual rankings, has created more big chances than the entirety of Arsenal’s team. Saka and Fabio Vieira (both two) provided the bulk of the Gunners’ opportunities.

Liverpool and Newcastle United (both 17) have created the most in the division – more than twice as many as Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side ranked sixth in this metric last season, averaging 1.92 big chances per game.

By contrast, Arsenal are now managing just 0.83 per game, highlighting a lack of creativity in the final third. Much has been made about the Gunners’ attacking options – or lack thereof – following the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

Concerns have emerged about whether Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah are prolific enough to launch a serious Premier League challenge. While the duo have scored goals, some, including former Arsenal legends, are demanding more.

“One of the worrying things has got to be the conversion of big chances,” Ian Wright told The Kelly and Wrighty Show. You can feel it in the stadium when you miss a big chance. We’re creating chances and not taking them. We can’t afford to do that.

“You saw that chance Jesus missed. I found it strange as he did so much work to get into that position. If you’re pressing Tottenham to the point where you win the ball in their area, and then miss the chances, then you won’t win many games. It’s a finish he should make.

“It makes me so frustrated. You need a striker’s mentality. With everything at his mercy, he just blasted it. It really makes me wonder why he did that. I was very surprised.”