Arsenal legend identifies ‘missing link’ that is needed to take Gunners ‘to the next level’

Arsenal legend Alan Smith has urged Mikel Arteta to resolve a ‘missing link’ in his side and take his former club to ‘the next level’.

The Gunners were involved in an action-packed North London derby with arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon as the two sides battled their way to an eventful 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

A Cristiano Romero own goal put the visitors ahead as the Argentina international deflected a Bukayo Saka effort beyond the helpless Guglielmo Vicario just after the midway point of the first half. The lead remained in place until three minutes before half-time when Heung-Min Son got Ange Postecoglou’s side back on level-terms but the Gunners hit back eight minutes after the interval with a coolly taken penalty from the lively Saka.

However, Spurs would not be denied as Son struck his second goal of the day just minutes later to ensure his side picked up their first point at the Emirates since a 2-2 draw in September 2019.

Former Arsenal striker Smith watched on from the sidelines as part of Sky Sports punditry team for the game and he has identified one major flaw in Arteta’s team that could prevent the Gunners from becoming consistent challengers for major honours.

“There is so much to admire about this Arsenal team, (there are) so many top players,” he told Sky Sports.

“But I think there is a missing link and Gary (Neville) alluded to it, that’s through the middle, a centre forward. If they could get a top class centre forward, that would I think take them to the next level because most of the other pieces are in place.”

Arsenal will turn their attention towards the Carabao Cup when they travel to London rivals Brentford on Wednesday before returning to Premier League action on Saturday with a visit to Bournemouth.