Arsenal's attack continues to falter, with manager Mikel Arteta facing scrutiny over tactical choices. In their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP, the Gunners relied heavily on defensive resilience after a first-leg advantage, but their misfiring offense remains a concern. Key offenders include Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres, whose combined 36 goals this season have been undermined by poor ball retention. Opta data reveals Gyokeres lost possession 246 times in the Premier League (43.5% of touches), with Martinelli and Madueke at 38.9% and 36.1% respectively. Their 12 and 17 possession losses against Sporting highlighted a lack of technical security, forcing Arteta to substitute Havertz and Trossard for better control.

Kai Havertz emerges as a potential solution. Despite an injury-hit season, the 26-year-old shone against Sporting, winning three aerial duels and completing 15 passes in 35 minutes. His duel success against Chelsea in last season's 5-1 Emirates win—where he assisted Bukayo Saka and scored—demonstrates his value as a focal point. Deploying Havertz up front could provide the technical anchor needed to counter Manchester City's pressing structure, which forced Gyokeres into errors last month. Arteta may also rotate Leandro Trossard and Max Dowman to alleviate pressure on the front three.

Granit Xhaka's influence extends beyond Arsenal, with Sunderland's resurgence under his leadership. The midfielder's return from injury boosted their Premier League form, raising points per game from 1.0 to 1.3. His experience in high-stakes matches, including a pivotal role in Aston Villa's Europa League campaign, adds depth to Arteta's rotation options. However, Xhaka's absence in recent Arsenal games has left a leadership void, complicating Arteta's quest for balance.

Arteta's tactical dilemma intensifies ahead of Sunday's clash with Man City. Without creative flair in attack, Arsenal risks repeating last month's Carabao Cup final meltdown, where City's midfield dominance exposed their inability to penetrate defenses. Havertz's inclusion could address this, but his fitness and form remain uncertainties. Meanwhile, City's tactical adaptability—evident in their non-pressing strategy against Arsenal—threatens to exploit any defensive lapses. The match hinges on whether Arsenal can fuse defensive grit with attacking efficiency, a challenge their current squad composition may not yet overcome.