Arsenal “have gone backwards” offensively, Jamie Redknapp has claimed.
The Gunners are chasing Liverpool in the Premier League title race, currently six points behind the Reds, who have a game in hand, after both teams drew their respective games at the weekend.
Much has been made of Arsenal's perceived problems in front of goal this season. They are the third top scorer in the Premier League with 39 goals this season, but nine have come from corners.
In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Gunners scored one against Ipswich, three against Crystal Palace and one against Brighton. The perception has been that, creatively, they have had problems in open play.
Mikel Arteta's side have been Premier League runners-up to Manchester City for the past two years, and could have taken advantage of City's struggle this season. However, it is Liverpool who lead the group.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle, Redknapp urged Arsenal to improve their game, one he believes is going backwards.
“I think the reason is that I certainly felt like this was his year,” Redknapp said. “When you see how Manchester City have really struggled, they probably thought they would be in a position seven or eight points clear, with Manchester City in the distance.
“But Liverpool have obviously surprised us all. But they have to find something. I feel that, to a certain extent, in their performance as an attacking team they have gone backwards from last year and the year before and even the year before.
“They have to find some rhythm in their game. It hasn't been fun to watch them this year. They come alive when there is a set piece. There has to be more to the game than that.”
More to follow.
