So during Pep's press conference he mentioned that signing a striker wouldn't solve our problems and he'd be right.
This season we've really suffered from a drop in chance creation. If I had to guess, that'd be probably because of the fact we're playing more conservatively and pressing less, which means defending teams are more able to position themselves to deal with our attacks (something to be wary of tonight). Our forwards are playing deeper than ever and it all seems like a plan to preserve counter attacking immunity as well as spring fast transitions in the final third. In terms of taking chances, yeah we're lacking a clinical edge but it's only really KDB that's been statistically below par to a significant degree, and signing a striker isn't going to make him score his chances or improve our creativity.
As a result, we've become more reliant on patient buildup (this is where Rodri and Stones help), smart movement (false 9s), and midfield creativity (KDB, Cancelo, Gundogan, Mahrez, Foden). The good news is that we're moving towards a better level with every game. Our movement is increasingly intelligent and we look more confident in possession than in a long time. Our chance creation is as a trend on the up too.
I think once by the end of the season, injuries permitting, we're going to be back to our goalscoring best. Current underachievers by their standards (Sterling, Jesus, and Mahrez) are all going to be as prolific as they were and we're going to feel like we need a forward even less.
However we'd still benefit from a new striker. I don't for one second believe that the need is as urgent as many seem to think but having a new player to freshen things up would never go amiss. There's also the lingering Aguero cloud that needs addressing. It's important that whoever we sign is both high quality (obviously) and of a different style to whatever we currently have/will have, as it gives Pep the most tactical control/flexibility. Haaland as an out and out goalscorer would fit the bill, but I'm sure if need be there are other options available.
