Being a former premier league player, Zambia’s Chipolopolo physical trainer Jamie Lawrence is a keen follower of the English topflight. Captain Pain has a word of advice for Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta this January window.
Lawrence has advised the Gunners boss to move quickly and sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as their lack of a proven finisher will continue to hurt Arsenal.
Isak has been in inspired form this season; he sits fourth in the race for the Premier League golden boot with 13 goals, five behind Liverpool and Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.
“I was Arteta now; I would go all out to go and get Isak. He is the best number 9 in the league at the minute. Number 9s have to make a comeback. Once you have a good number 9, see what he does, goals galore especially when you are getting crosses in the box,” Lawrence said on an Instagram post.
He criticized Arsenal’s approach to games of a heavy reliance on step pieces.
“I have covered Arsenal, I take nothing from what I have said before, [they are a] set pieces team reminds me of Stoke [City] I don’t know where the flair is coming from…” Lawrence said.
He said the Gunners have slipped backwards this year.
“This year, Arsenal have gone backwards, they were very good last year and the year before that,” he said.
Pressure is mounting on Arteta to achieve league success having spent five years at the club now. Arsenal is second on the log with 40 points, six behind leaders Liverpool.
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