The 9 That Never Was: Why Arsenal Needs More Than Just Depth

When former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere says the club needs a proper 9, he isn’t just echoing fan frustration—he’s pointing at a structural hole in our attacking DNA. As someone who’s built predictive models for Premier League teams, I’ve seen what happens when your top scorer averages under 0.8 goals per 90. It’s not just about stats; it’s about pressure, presence, and psychological weight.

It’s time we stop treating the front line like a rotating cast of loan signings and emergency replacements.

Isak: The Data-Friendly Target?

Martin Ødegaard thrives in space—his passing accuracy (88%) and progressive carries (3.1 per game) are elite. But without a reliable focal point to draw defenders and hold up play, his vision gets choked by double teams.

Enter Joelinton? Not quite. Alexander Isak? Now that’s a different story.

Isak averaged 12 goals and 4 assists last season—yes, he played for Newcastle—but crucially, his xG difference (xG minus actual goals) was +1.7: meaning he overperformed expectations by nearly two goals. That kind of efficiency? Gold in transfer rooms.

And let’s be honest—when you’re chasing silverware in a tight title race, efficiency trumps flair every time.

Why ‘Ideal’ Isn’t Always ‘Available’

Wilshere acknowledged the difficulty: “I think this might be hard to achieve.” And he’s right—not because Isak isn’t good enough (he is), but because Newcastle aren’t selling their best player for sentimental reasons or mid-table ambitions.

But here’s where my inner analyst takes over: if you’re serious about competing with City or Liverpool, you don’t wait for perfect timing—you build around inevitability.

The real question isn’t whether Isak can fit—it’s whether Arsenal has the courage to trade future assets (like a young winger or loaned defender) for proven output today.

Because let me tell you from experience: no model predicts success based on hope alone.

The Psychology of Strikers — And What We’re Missing

Football isn’t just numbers—it’s belief. When fans chant “We want X!” at Emirates Stadium during games against West Ham or Brighton, they’re not just demanding talent—they’re craving identity.

A true number nine doesn’t need to score every week; they need to matter. They must command attention from defenders before even touching the ball—a subtle form of psychological dominance that boosts team confidence across all positions.

Isak brings that aura naturally—he walks into games like he owns them (and honestly? He should). In contrast, recent ‘temporary’ strikers often look… uncertain in big moments. That hesitation costs points—and sometimes titles.

So yes—I agree with Wilshere completely… but only if we act like professionals rather than dreamers.