[ WATCH TV LIVE ]
Mikel Arteta is facing a slight dilemma with his Arsenal attacking options following the 2-2 draw against Tottenham in the North London Derby. The Gunners were hampered by injuries to both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard this week - leaving Gabriel Jesus to start on the wing.
Eddie Nketiah was handed another start as striker - but the Hale End graduate failed to finish a golden chance towards the end of the game that would've given Arsenal all three points against their fierce rivals. Bukayo Saka was the Gunners' talisman once again as his deflected shot was turned home by Cristian Romero in the first half.
The 22-year-old then converted his second from the penalty spot - but it was not enough to beat Spurs. Son Heung-min's brace twice pegged Arsenal back as Arteta's side failed to take advantage of some late pressure in the game.
Arsenal had a flurry of corner kicks that put Spurs under significant pressure - with one falling to Nketiah as he failed to convert from close range. Declan Rice - who was substituted with an injury at half-time - showed visible frustration at the wasted opportunity.
Arteta has been keen to ensure there is quality in competition across every area of his squad - highlighted by the signing of David Raya in the summer. The next position that could see a top quality signing arrive to compete for may be at striker - with Brentford star Ivan Toney linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The 27-year-old is currently serving a ban from football and is set to return to action in January. Toney is attracting interest from the Gunners, Chelsea and Spurs - with Brentford setting a £60million asking price for their striker - and he may be the perfect addition for Arteta's squad.
READ MORE: Bernd Leno breaks silence on Arsenal goalkeeper situation amid honest Aaron Ramsdale admission
READ MORE: Why Leandro Trossard is not in the Arsenal squad vs Tottenham for the North London Derby
The lack of a clinical striker in the big moments was picked up on by Gary Neville during the North London Derby. During commentary, Neville said: "Yeah, it’s [lack of a clinical striker] been apparent in the last 10 or 15 minutes that balls have been put in and corners flicked on.
"There’s no player that has that goalscoring intent, that want for a goal. It doesn’t exist."
Alan Smith agreed as the ex-Arsenal star told Sky Sports: "There’s so much to admire about this Arsenal side but it’s like what Gary [Neville] alluded to - they need an out-and-out centre-forward. They need a top-class centre-forward that would take them up to the next level."
There have been questions over the consistency of Nketiah and the finishing ability of Jesus. The Brazilian striker lashed the ball over from close range after dispossessing James Maddison on the edge of the Tottenham penalty box in the first half, adding to speculation that a new striker may be of interest to Arsenal in January.
Arsenal WhatsApp
Sign up to our Arsenal WhatsApp service and get all the latest breaking news and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers direct to your phone.
By signing up to this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens.
To join our Arsenal community, all you have to do is click this link.
