Arsenal’s 15-game unbeaten Premier League run came to an end as West Ham United thwarted their attempt to reduce the gap to leaders Liverpool at the top of the table.

Arsenal are struggling to score goals without the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. The Gunners have been forced to deploy a makeshift front three in recent matches, with midfielder Mikel Merino leading the line as a number nine.

Advertisement At a time when manager Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff are searching for new solutions to find goals, could a counter-attacking identity help navigate these final three striker-less months?

Arsenal were shut out for the second-straight Premier League game, drawing 0-0 at Nottingham Forest as the Gunners attack continues to condemn their minimal title hopes.

Arsenal have been training with different players leading the line and not just midfielder Mikel Merino, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday as the club grapples with an injury crisis that has left them without a recognised striker available.

Paul Merson expects Mikel Arteta to stick with Raheem Sterling in his starting XI for Arsenal’s ‘must-win’ match against West Ham, despite the forward’s ineffective performance at Leicester.