Arsenal’s recent Champions League loss to Inter Milan highlighted a deepening problem: the Gunners are struggling to find their attacking rhythm, and the return of star playmaker Martin Odegaard might not be the simple fix they need.
The game, a 1-0 loss at the San Siro, was marred by controversial refereeing decisions. Arsenal could have been awarded a penalty early on when Inter’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, collided with Mikel Merino, but VAR ruled no foul.
Later, Inter was awarded a penalty for a handball by Merino, a decision that was technically correct but would likely not have been given in the Premier League. The spot-kick ultimately decided the match.
But Arsenal’s issues go beyond bad luck or questionable calls. The team has struggled in recent weeks, winning only two of their last six games.
Away from home, they haven’t managed to score against any opponent other than Preston since late September.
A big part of Arsenal’s current challenge is their reliance on Bukayo Saka. He’s a fantastic player, but his style is direct and limited to specific channels, making it easier for opponents to shut down Arsenal’s attack if they manage to contain him.
The absence of Odegaard has only intensified this problem, as Arsenal lacks another creative playmaker to distribute the ball and unlock defenses.
This lack of variety in attack has led to a stale and sometimes predictable offense.
Players like Kai Havertz have missed opportunities, and Gabriel Martinelli is being used more as a straightforward runner on the left than as a versatile forward.
While Arsenal can still advance in Europe, their recent performances have exposed underlying structural issues that a single player’s return won’t fully resolve.
To reclaim their attacking fluency, Arsenal may need to reimagine their approach and bolster their squad’s offensive depth.
