Mikel Arteta challenged Declan Rice to improve his long throws and replicate the standards set by Brentford right back Michael Kayode.
Speaking before Arsenal’s 2–0 victory over the Bees on Wednesday night, Arteta lauded Kayode for the threat he provides from his throw-ins, which are statistically the longest in the Premier League on average at 33.2 metres.
Brentford have scored three times from long throws this term and despite Arsenal being the division’s set-piece kings, the Gunners are yet to score from such a scenario. Arteta wants Rice, whose set play deliveries are among the best in the league, to work hard on emulating Kayode.
“A massive weapon,” Arteta said of the Italian’s throw-ins. “We all know that. It is a very chaotic situation—it is very difficult to predict what is going to happen.”
When quizzed on why Rice is not as accomplished with his hands as Kayode, the Arsenal boss replied: “Who is [as good as Kayode]? Everything has to evolve. I don’t know how good [Kayode] was a year ago, or two years ago or three years ago. I know how good Declan was at taking set pieces three or four years ago and I know how good he is now.
“It does not happen overnight. Things have to be trained, evolved and tweaked. And the player has to believe as well, which is key. When you look at Declan, he can do almost everything you require him to do.”
Arteta certainly needn’t worry about Rice’s attacking output for the Premier League leaders, with two goals and five assists in all competitions. The midfielder’s corner and free kick deliveries consistently cause chaos for opposition defences, but his early exit against Brentford has sparked injury concerns for the hectic festive period.
