Arteta’s notable error comes back to bite Arsenal hard

What was Mikel Arteta thinking letting a versatile number 8 like Granit Xhaka leave Arsenal and be replaced by none other than Kai Havertz?

Amidst a faltering period for Arsenal in the Premier League title race, manager Mikel Arteta finds himself contemplating the ramifications of allowing key player Granit Xhaka to depart from the club last summer, a decision that may be haunting the Gunners in their current campaign.

After a promising spell that saw Arsenal lead the Premier League table for a significant duration last season, the team’s inability to thwart Manchester City’s pursuit resulted in a third consecutive league triumph for the Citizens.

However, this season, Arsenal began as title favorites, only to experience a downturn in form, trailing five points behind league leaders Liverpool and exiting the FA Cup.

The struggles have notably emanated from Arsenal’s midfield, an area where they previously displayed strength.

Last season’s midfield trio, featuring Thomas Partey anchored by Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka in the number eight roles, had been a key component of their gameplay.

Xhaka, who departed for Bayer Leverkusen in a £21 million move, had transformed from a divisive figure within the Emirates Stadium to a pivotal left-sided number eight during the prior season.

His contributions were not merely in statistics, but also in his ability to synergize with teammates, notably enhancing Gabriel Martinelli’s impact on the left flank.

At Leverkusen, Xhaka’s presence has been notable, despite his lack of direct goal contributions in the Bundesliga this season.

The midfielder’s consistent performances have aided Leverkusen’s ascent to the top of the league standings, even sitting above giants like Bayern Munich.

Xhaka’s departure prompted Arteta to reevaluate the midfield, yet finding a seamless replacement has proven challenging.

While summer arrival Declan Rice has intermittently filled the ‘Xhaka role,’ other options such as Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe have also been tested in that position.

Data shared on Twitter highlights a decline in Arsenal’s ball progression without Xhaka’s influence in the team.