Ex-Spurs star names the one player Arsenal are ‘certainly’ missing after Villa defeat

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Arsenal fell to an unlucky defeat at Aston Villa in a game they dominated, but questions are being raised over their midfield structure.

Although Kai Havertz has improved in recent weeks, finding himself on the scoresheet on several occasions, it has now been claimed that Arsenal still miss Granit Xhaka, who departed in the summer.

Arsenal have not attacked with the same fluency as last season, but faced different problems against Aston Villa as chances presented themselves, but they could not find the finish.

The Gunners have had issues in midfield since Xhaka’s departure, with Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe all suffering with injuries, whilst Havertz took a long time to settle.

Jamie Redknapp questions Granit Xhaka Arsenal departure

Speaking on Sky Sports after the defeat, former Tottenham Hotspur star Jamie Redknapp claimed that Xhaka’s departure has left Arsenal missing something in midfield.

“The performances haven’t been quite as fluid there was so much to enjoy. The back four hasn’t changed in midfield with Havertz is he an upgrade on Xhaka? Right now I would say no,” he stated.

“I think right now certainly (they are missing Xhaka), he had that quality, he gave you that bit of positional sense. He’d get it onto his left foot, he’d create balls into Jesus, he just gives you that bit of guile, something they’re not possessing.

“Havertz has had a good little run this last few weeks. They’ve not quite got that balance they had last year where they would dominate teams for 90 minutes.”

Do Arsenal need more composure in midfield?

Although Havertz has begun to show more in front of goal from his midfield role, Arsenal were lacking a bit of composure against Villa as they had most of the ball but were sloppy in the final third.

Xhaka was outstanding last season, as he helped keep games ticking with his passing ability, whilst also contributing in front of goal.

Jorginho remains an option Arsenal can use in tough away games to add a bit of experience and calmness to the middle of the park, but Xhaka’s combination of physicality, strong passing ability and goal output made him a more reliable option than what Mikel Arteta currently has at his disposal.

Arsenal may look to sign another midfielder in the January transfer window, and should they recruit someone, they will need to be a player who can play alongside Declan Rice and bring some additional creative ability to help replace Xhaka.