Arsenal have Alisson to thank for summer transfer move as Mikel Arteta mulls over striker plan

In the final moments of a top-quality first-half performance from Arsenal the best chance of the entire game presented itself to Mikel Arteta’s side. However, the difference between a title challenger and a top-four contender was revealed in this very instance.

Thiago Alcantara made a rare error when playing a back pass to Liverpool keeper Alisson. Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette was onto the loose ball quickly and tried to round the Brazilian international. However, Alisson’s presence offset the Frenchman and he was forced to lay the ball to Martin Odegaard by which time the Reds had covering defenders.

Odegaard’s show was saved by Alisson and Liverpool were let off and Arsenal had missed what would be their best chance of the game right before halftime. A moment that, in the context of the second half, would have been defining for the team.

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Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino had clearly better opportunities, but the fact is that they took theirs and Arsenal were not able to score their own. Had the Gunners possessed a world-class striker feeding off the back pass from Thiago then the outcome may have been very different.

This is what needs to be remembered in the summer. The opportunity to sign a striker must not be missed and not only the idea of one but the chance to invest in two.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure and Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah’s contracts ending, Arsenal are light in the position of striker. Alexandre Lacazette could still stay but it is in Arsenal’s best interests to ensure they position