Arsenal’s Wednesday evening match against West Ham showed that if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not in the squad, then a top-quality replacement is a necessity.
The Gabonese international was left out of the squad after being stripped of the club captaincy following a disciplinary breach.
The Gunners put in an impressive performance against the Hammers, but despite Gabriel Martinelli's excellent second-half goal, they still lacked the presence in attack to really stamp their marker in the match.
Alexandre Lacazette and Martinelli would be the perfect supporting cast for a striker with more of a physical presence and aerial authority within Mikel Arteta's squad.
Both Lacazette and Martinelli were tasked with being the focal point in the attack for Arsenal and they combined for the opening goal, but still lacked the physical presence which would have made the evening much more comfortable for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta’s side was completely dominant in possession and created good opportunities throughout the match, but lacked a consistent end product in the final third.
Aubameyang has been the man in the past who would give Arsenal the goal-scoring threat in this area of the pitch but now his future is in doubt.
It hasn’t been confirmed if or when the 32-year-old will return to the side, but even before his omission from the starting line-up, the need for an attacker with a physical presence was clear.
A player such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who the club have been linked with recently, would have been the perfect option in the match against West Ham.
He has the necessary aerial strengths and still has enough pace to match the energy of Martinelli, whose all-round game was exceptional, it was just his physical presence in front of goal that let him down.
The Brazilian showcased the marvellous pace he possesses, and how excellent he can be playing around a striker who has strong hold-up play, which Lacazette can offer.
Lacazette was another player who was impressing on all fronts, except the finishing department, which was proven in the first half as Arsenal drew a blank despite having nine shots on goal.
Arsenal would have won the game comfortably if they did have the extra physical presence in the attack. It was arguably one of the best performances of the season in terms of creating chances, winning the ball back, and maintaining constant pressure on the West Ham defence.
Martinelli and Lacazette are certainly a good temporary solution for the attacking problem, Martinelli getting on the scoresheet only backs that up. But it is a position that will still need strengthening, just to add more of a cutting edge in front of goal and an increase in depth.
It was an excellent performance from Arsenal who finally break into the promise land of the top four in the Premier League.
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