Shock stat shows why Arteta favourite is cause of big Arsenal problem, not Rice

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Arsenal’s defeat to Fulham has raised questions about the quality of the midfield, as the team struggled to create big chances in front of goal.

The absence of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have perhaps hit Arsenal hard, but despite his outstanding performances all season, some fans have criticised Declan Rice for failing to replicate the creative passing brought to the team by the midfield of last season.

Xhaka departed for Bayer Leverkusen whilst Partey has been injured for most of last season.

Rice has been exceptional physically and defensively, but some were unsure whether his progressive passing ability was up to scratch as Arsenal are not clicking in attack. However, two stats now show that the wrong player is being questioned.

Declan Rice has been the best progressive passer in Europe

Rice ranks top of players from Europe’s big five leagues for progressive passes, with 184 in 20 games.

Xhaka is currently third in Europe, with 176 in 16 games. Defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is fifth, on 161.

However, summer signing Kai Havertz is massively struggling when it comes to progressive passes, registering just 52 in his 19 Premier League appearances, ranking in an astonishing 396th place in Europe.

The German has been well below par on the ball, and this stat proves that Arsenal’s issues going forward are stemming from Havertz’s inability to create anything with his passing compared to Rice or Xhaka.

Havertz has been poor in possession for Arsenal

Havertz joined for a massive fee this summer to try and replace Xhaka in midfield, and he was recently criticised for failing to offer much in the role despite Arteta’s clear adoration for the player.

Arsenal’s left-hand side is suffering, with Gabriel Martinelli and Zinchenko both arguably in the poorest form of their careers at the club, and Havertz may be hindering both when it comes to providing them with progressive passes and linking play like Xhaka used to.

Although Havertz has improved since his first few months at the club, Arsenal are suffering too many issues in midfield as a result of him being so passive on the ball, and there is still a long way to go before he can start to justify the fee spent on him.

Havertz has scored four times in the Premier League this season, and there may now be a case to use him upfront given his struggles in a midfield role, but it seems that Arteta is set on using Havertz in a deeper role.