Arsenal break unwanted Premier League record in West Ham defeat as transfer priority emerges
Arsenal were left frustrated as they tasted defeat at the Emirates Stadium for the first time this season — losing 2-0 against West Ham. The Gunners had plenty of chances to win the game but their lack of clinical finishing saw them fail to reclaim top spot in the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta's side now sit two points behindLiverpool after the defeat against David Moyes' side. Gabriel Jesus came under fire once again for his inability to take his chances, whilst it was another quiet night for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners have been linked with a number of attackers ahead of the January transfer window including the likes of Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen. A new defender is seen as Arsenal's priority at present, but that may change with the front three failing to fire on all cylinders.
Arteta has minimal options available to him at the back, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey still sidelined through injury. Tomiyasu is set to feature for Japan at the Asia Cup next month, whilst Partey has been selected for Ghana duty ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Cedric Soares is attracting interest from Turkey and could leave the club on a permanent deal — further weakening Arteta's options at the back. Whilst Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka are all capable of filling the void in defence if required, a new defensive signing would be massively welcomed by the Gunners' boss.
However, Arsenal's struggles in attack could cost them the chance of winning their first Premier League title in two decades after they broke an unwanted record against the Hammers. The Gunners' defeat against West Ham was the first time on record that a Premier League team had as many as 77
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