Arsenal’s title bid has stalled because they lack genuine pace in wide areas, with Mikel Arteta’s side desperately needing direct wingers who can stretch defences and break down stubborn low blocks.

Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach has become predictable. Teams know exactly how to defend against them – sit deep, stay compact, and force them into intricate passing moves that rarely create clear-cut chances. The Gunners need wingers who can beat their man and create something from nothing.

Three names should be at the top of Arsenal’s summer wishlist: Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. Each offers the pace and directness that could turn Arsenal from nearly men into champions.

Nico Williams: Spain’s Electric Left-Winger

Williams has been Athletic Bilbao’s standout performer this season. The 22-year-old Spanish international combines raw pace with smart decision-making – exactly what Arsenal lack on the left flank.

His Euro 2024 performances showed he can perform on the biggest stage. Williams consistently beat defenders one-on-one and created chances that his teammates should have buried. That kind of direct threat would be perfect alongside Bukayo Saka’s creativity on the opposite wing.

What makes Williams ideal for Arteta’s system is his tactical intelligence. He doesn’t just hug the touchline like old-school wingers – he drifts inside when space opens up, creating overloads in dangerous areas. This versatility would give Arsenal multiple attacking patterns instead of their current one-dimensional approach.

Williams also tracks back and presses aggressively, matching Arteta’s work-rate demands. His age profile fits Arsenal’s long-term planning, and La Liga experience means he won’t be fazed by Premier League intensity.

The Spanish winger represents good value in today’s market. His release clause and contract situation make him a realistic target, unlike some pie-in-the-sky alternatives that Arsenal have been linked with recently.

Rodrygo: Madrid Class Available for Transfer

Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has become complicated with their attacking depth. The Brazilian might be available this summer if Madrid prioritize other targets, and Arsenal should be first in line.

The 24-year-old brings Champions League pedigree and big-game experience that Arsenal currently lack. His performances in El Clasico and knockout matches show he can handle pressure – something that could prove crucial during title run-ins.

Rodrygo’s versatility across the front three gives Arteta tactical flexibility. He can play left wing, right wing, or centrally without losing effectiveness. His pace would stretch defenses while his technical ability fits Arsenal’s possession game perfectly.

Madrid’s summer plans could push Rodrygo down the pecking order. If they land another attacking star, the Brazilian becomes expendable despite his quality. Arsenal should be monitoring this situation closely.

The Brazilian has the physicality for Premier League football and experience playing for one of world football’s biggest clubs. The step up to Arsenal wouldn’t intimidate him like it might other targets.

-> READ MORE: Scout report and SWOT analysis of Gyokores’ move to Arsenal here

Anthony Gordon: Premier League Ready and Hungry

Gordon represents the most realistic signing of the three. The Newcastle winger has developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent wide players, improving his end product while maintaining his pace and work rate.

His performances against top-six opposition prove he can handle big matches. Gordon doesn’t go missing when the pressure increases – he often steps up and creates Arsenal’s biggest problems when they face Newcastle.

What makes Gordon attractive is his Premier League experience. Foreign signings need adaptation time, but Gordon would slot straight into Arsenal’s starting eleven without missing a beat.

Newcastle’s financial situation could force their hand this summer. If they need to sell players to balance their books, Gordon would be one of their most valuable assets. Arsenal should be ready to pounce.

The 26-year-old wants Champions League football and major trophies. His move from Everton to Newcastle showed ambition, and Arsenal represents the next logical step in his career progression.

Gordon’s versatility to play either flank adds tactical value. Arteta could rotate him with other wide players without disrupting team shape or losing pace in the final third.

-> READ MORE: Scout Report of Arsenal youngster Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role

Arsenal Must Choose Pace Over Patience

Arsenal’s title challenge collapsed this season because they couldn’t break down teams that defended deep. Adding genuine pace and directness is non-negotiable if they want to compete with Manchester City next season.

Williams offers the best combination of talent and value. Rodrygo brings elite experience but might be harder to secure. Gordon provides Premier League readiness and genuine hunger for success.

Arsenal cannot afford another summer of missed opportunities. These three targets address their biggest weakness, and Arteta must convince the board to back him with serious investment.

The difference between winning the title and finishing second often comes down to having players who can create something when nothing seems possible. All three wingers offer that X-factor Arsenal desperately need.

-> READ MORE: Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense

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Here is a look at the last time Manchester City beat Liverpool at Anfield, a ground they have always dreaded to visit, even under Pep Guardiola.

It’s that time of the year again. Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield, and it couldn’t have come at the worst possible time for Pep Guardiola’s men. The Cityzens are coming off a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord at the Etihad, a game which saw the former lead 3-0 until the 75th minute, only to blow it all in the last 15 minutes.

That’s not all, Manchester City are winless since late October after a 1-0 win over Southampton. Since then they have crashed out of the EFL Cup (against Tottenham), lost away to Bournemouth, hammered by Sporting CP 4-1 in the Champions League, lost a game they were leading against Brighton in the EPL, and crushed at their own backyard by Tottenham again.

5 straight defeats and a draw, Guardiola is looking down the barrel, hoping to revive the season. They find themselves 8 points adrift of Liverpool, the leaders. Ahead of their game at the Anfield, here is a look at the last time Manchester City defeated the Reds at this iconic stadium.

Manchester City were cruising to the 2020/21 EPL title

The match took place in February of the first-full lockdown EPL season, in 2021. City were already cruising to the EPL title, with only a whimper of a challenge from both Manchester United, Liverpool and maybe Chelsea.

The Cityzens went into the game as strong favorites, but history was completely against them. They had not won at the ground since 2003, a staggering 18 years. And Liverpool, hardly lose at their home ground.

The game sparked into life only in the second half

It was all square at the end of the first half, before Manchester City switched on right after the second half begun. Ilkay Gundogan gave the Cityzens the lead, but it was 1-0 only until the 63rd minute before Mohamed Salah equalized for Liverpool from the spot.

However, a last 20-minute carnage saw Manchester City blow away Liverpool, with a 1-4 away thrashing. Goals from Gundogan (brace), Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden made sure the Cityzens won at the ground for the first time in 18 years in the EPL.

Manchester City’s entire midfield that started that night is still a key part of the club

Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri and Bernardo Silva started for Manchester City that night, and the trio continue to start for them even today, albeit Rodri is out for the season due to injury.

The few players who started that night and are no longer a part of the club are – Joao Cancelo, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. While Zinchenko and Sterling are at Arsenal, Cancelo and Mahrez ply their trade in the Saudi League.

Liverpool are a much changed side than the City side of 2021

Virgil van Dijk was out of the 2020/21 season due to injury. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were the center-backs that night. Fabinho is currently in the Saudi League, whereas Henderson who was a part of the Saudi League between 2023 and 2024, is now at Ajax.

In attack, both Sadio Mane and Firmino have moved to the middle-east, as is the trend now. Thiago Alcantara is now retired, and Georginio Wijnaldum plays in the Saudi League as well.

All you should know about what happened when the currently-struggling Manchester City and Feyenoord last faced

Manchester City are in dire straits right now. However, to possibly ease their misfortunes, they will be welcoming Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 group stage.

Coming off a 4-0 hammering at the Etihad against Tottenham Hotspur, City will look to put their torrid run back. This is first time in two decades that they have lost 5 games in a row (across all competitions). And no defending English champion has lost 5 games in a row since 1956 (Chelsea).

With a chance for their unwanted record to further worse, Pep Guardiola would, by all means, look to avoid a loss. To make things worse, City face high-flying Liverpool this weekend.

Ahead of their match against Feyenoord, we take a look at how things panned out when the two teams last faced. It was the group stage of the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League.

Manchester City had drubbed Feyenoord 0-4 in the first fixture

Coming off a 0-4 win against Feyenoord in the away fixture, a similar scoreline was expected. However, it was not so. Although, Manchester City ended up winning the match, they need a late winner from Raheem Sterling to seal the deal. The game ended 1-0.

5 players who started that night still are an integral part of the club

Ederson was in goal for Manchester City that night. He is still their main goalkeeper, and was in his first season at the blue side of Manchester. Kyle Walker as well was in his first season at the club, and currently is the captain of the club.

In midfield that night were Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan who are still an integral part of the club, although Gundogan left to Barcelona for a year during 2023/24. Another player in the lineup was Bernardo Silva (another player in his first year at the club), who is still a regular starter. Goes to show how important the Cityzen’s core has been through the years.