Arsenal outcast leads squad for one stat that may hint to major Arteta solution

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Arsenal have struggled for goals this season, and Mikel Arteta has faced some criticism for his lack of rotation within the squad.

Several Arsenal attackers are all badly out of form at the same time, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus far from their best, and Kai Havertz has overall been a disappointing addition in midfield.

Arsenal have scored just 20 goals from open play in the Premier League this season, and there have been calls to sign a striker to improve their conversion rate in front of goal. However, the solution could be found in outcast Emile Smith Rowe.

Emile Smith Rowe could be answer to Arsenal’s goalscoring problems

With Jesus and Eddie Nketiah misfiring in front of goal, giving Smith Rowe a chance in midfield could increase Arsenal’s output from the position.

Smith Rowe arguably has the biggest goal threat out of anyone in the squad right now. As per FBRef, his expected goals (xG) total per 90 minutes is higher than anyone else, with a total of 0.73 per 90 minutes.

This is significantly higher than Jesus in second place, with 0.46, and Fabio Vieira just behind in 0.45. Essentially, this means that whenever Smith Rowe is on the pitch, he has found himself in better shooting positions than the rest of Arsenal’s attacking players.

Mikel Arteta needs to start Smith Rowe to solve Arsenal scoring problems

Fans have been desperate to see Smith Rowe given a chance, and with Arsenal’s other attacking players failing to deliver, there is little excuse to leave him on the bench again.

Reports have indicated that Smith Rowe is eager to stay and fight for his place despite transfer speculation, and he could be the saviour Arteta needs to get his side back on track after a poor run of form.

Although he has not scored this season, the 23-year-old has had bright moments off the bench, and his strong xG stats show that he is able to increase the quality and variation of Arsenal’s attack, and the goals will eventually come if he is given more time on the pitch.

With Havertz failing to replace Granit Xhaka’s progressive passing, Smith Rowe could be an alternative in midfield to help Arsenal attack with more fluidity. Martinelli’s struggles for form could also see him come in on the left wing.

When Smith Rowe first broke into the Arsenal team as a starter in the 2020-21 season, he helped address a poor run of form in front of goal and helped transform his side’s attack. Now, he should be given the chance to do the same again.