It was a quiet transfer window at the Emirates, with no money being spent by Arsene Wenger. Yet the recent hammering by United, the disappointing draw with Villa and the FA Cup exit at the hands of Stoke all raise doubts on such a conservative transfer policy.

Watching the United game at the Emirates on Sunday made for painful viewing for Arsenal fans, bringing back memories of the Champions League semi-final last season. Since that game the only significant signing has been that of Thomas Vermaelen, who himself must be in contention for defender of the season up to this point. Yet the lack of incision against Arsenals title contenders puts huge added pressure on the defence to keep a clean sheet.

Against lesser opposition the criticism of Arsenal in recent seasons has been of their finishing. Chances and half chances are easily and skilfully created, and a top quality finisher would easily be the league’s top goal scorer. In contrast though, against a fellow top team, particularly United and Chelsea, the creativity disappears as their free-flowing game is not allowed to function. Now this is to an extent understandable. Chelsea have a better defence than for example Bolton, so of course they are able to limit Arsenal’s attacking prowess. But at the same time Vermaelen and co provide a sterner test of United and Chelsea’s attack so this can not be an excuse. The issue is of that much debated ‘Plan B’. If Chelsea can not get Lampard, Malouda and Anelka in space then they can launch it up to Drogba and make runs off him. He has terrorised the Arsenal defence in recent years, literally bullying them out of the game. Although less physically imposing United can rely on Rooney to hold the ball up until support arrives. In contrast Eduardo, Arshavin, Vela and Walcott can all be pushed off the ball by Premier League centre halves.

Of course I am not suggesting that Arsenal sign Nicola Zigic and Jan Koller and turn into a long ball team. Instead they need to have a genuine option if and when their passing game does not work. Look at Barcelona, the best team in the world over the past 18 months. They play a passing game which is incredible to watch with the creative talents of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi, all of whom are small in stature. Yet there prominent strikers in the past 18 months have been Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Both of these players add to the creativity and flair of the side yet they also contribute a physical presence that will always keep opposing centre halves honest, regardless of how well the team performs behind them.

Arsenal do of course have Nicklas Bendtner, who has been injured for long periods this season. From what I have seen I question whether he is ready to spearhead a title winning side. Robin Van Persie is a fantastic player and can combine flair with a physical strength, without being described as a target man. Unfortunately for all Arsenal fans though, he is an injury prone player, and he will rarely complete a whole season. Therefore there needs to be another top striker at the club, capable of forming a lethal partnership with Van Persie, and of playing up front on their own when needed.

Despite this criticism of Arsenal’s attacking options there seems to be very little Arsenal can actually do. Established strikers of the type that they require are already at other large clubs. Eto’o, Ibrahimovic, Drogba, Rooney etc are stars of world football and do not fit with Arsenal’s restrained transfer policy. There may be a younger striker playing in France or Germany such as Edin Dzeko who may be worth a chance. The much talked about Marouane Chamakh is out of contract in the summer and may be a cheap solution. I however would like to see Arsenal make a break from their routine. A big money move would be justified this summer for a proven world class striker, as Arsenal have not won the League since 2004. I genuinely believe that the current Arsenal squad is one or two strong additions away from the title, a risk Arsenal fans must surely think is worth taking.

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