Mikel Arteta has thrown down a new technical challenge to Declan Rice, urging the England midfielder to elevate his long-throw ability to the standards set by Brentford’s Michael Kayode, whom he described as the best in the Premier League. The Arsenal manager made the remarks ahead of Wednesday’s league meeting with Brentford, highlighting the growing importance of throw-ins as an attacking platform in top-level football.
Kayode has become a standout figure for Brentford this season with an astonishing average throw-in distance of 33.2 metres — more than five metres farther than any other player in the division. His weaponised throws have already produced three goals for Keith Andrews’s side, earning admiration even from rival managers. Arsenal, despite topping the charts for set-piece goals alongside Manchester United with 10, have yet to score directly from a throw-in this campaign.
Declan Rice, who is responsible for most attacking throw-ins due to his delivery technique, remains a key figure in Arsenal’s dead-ball strategy. But Arteta admitted the 25-year-old is still some distance from matching Kayode’s explosive ability. “A massive weapon,” Arteta said of the Brentford defender’s throw-in. “It’s chaotic, unpredictable and very hard to defend. When people say Declan isn’t as good as Kayode… who is?”
Declan Rice’s Evolution and Arteta’s Trust: ‘He Can Do Almost Everything’
Arteta emphasised that mastering such specialist skills takes time, pointing to Declan Rice’s development in other set-piece areas. “Everything evolves,” he said. “I don’t know how good Kayode was a year or two ago, but I know how much Declan has improved. It doesn’t happen overnight. These things must be trained, tweaked, and the player must believe. Declan Rice can do almost everything you ask.”
Declan Rice has already been central to Arsenal’s set-piece dominance this season, delivering with precision from corners and free-kicks. His ability to produce dangerous aerial balls has become a reliable avenue for goals in tight matches. Arteta believes that with time and continued work behind the scenes, Rice can add long-throw potency to his expanding toolkit.
The challenge reflects Arteta’s broader vision of marginal gains — finding small advantages that collectively make Arsenal more complete. With Brentford thriving from throw-ins, Arteta wants his players to mirror that ruthlessness where possible, particularly in a season where every point may count.
Injury Concerns Grow as Havertz Faces Longer Absence
Arteta also confirmed that Arsenal will continue to navigate significant injury setbacks, with Kai Havertz ruled out for at least a few more weeks after failing to progress in his return from knee surgery. The Germany international, sidelined since August, had been on track for a comeback early this month but suffered complications during advanced rehabilitation drills.
Arteta expressed frustration and sympathy as Havertz’s absence extends further. “He was doing everything, but he couldn’t go to the next level,” he explained. “Now it’s looking like we’ve unlocked that, but we’re all desperate to have him back. His record of availability has been phenomenal. He suffers being out, and we can’t wait to have him with us again.”
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann had previously disclosed Havertz’s setback, adding to mounting concern. For Arsenal, Havertz’s absence disrupts attacking plans and reduces flexibility at a time when the team is already stretched in the final third.
Selection Dilemmas Up Front as Merino, Gyökeres and Jesus Compete
Arsenal’s attacking dilemma ahead of the Brentford fixture remains unresolved, with Arteta weighing whether to continue fielding midfielder Mikel Merino as a false striker. Merino impressed with a goal in the 2–1 win at Chelsea, but the impending return of Viktor Gyökeres — who came off the bench at Stamford Bridge — offers a more traditional option.
Gabriel Jesus is also edging closer to full readiness after 11 months out, potentially giving Arteta three contrasting profiles to choose from. “We’ve had difficult patches, especially up front,” Arteta admitted. “But we’ve learned from the past. Players must be able to play different roles if we want to compete at this level. Mikel Merino has been the best example.”
The uncertainty does not end there. William Saliba and Leandro Trossard remain doubtful after missing the Chelsea game, leaving Arsenal with another defensive reshuffle. Summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to start again at centre-back should the pair remain unavailable.
Strength in Depth: Arteta Says £250m Reinforcements Are Paying Off
Arteta believes Arsenal’s substantial investment during the last transfer window — more than £250m spent strengthening various departments — has now become essential as injuries accumulate. The improved squad depth, he insists, is allowing the club to navigate disruptions far better than in previous seasons.
“This season has been worse in some areas, especially the forward line, and now the back line,” he said. “But we learned. We built a squad much more reliable with more options.” Arteta reiterated that Arsenal’s title pursuit depends heavily on resilience and adaptability, qualities the team previously struggled to sustain deep into campaigns.
With Arsenal still leading the Premier League table, Arteta hopes the reinforced squad — coupled with marginal tactical improvements such as enhanced throw-in efficiency — can sustain the club’s momentum through the congested winter schedule. As Brentford arrive armed with Kayode’s long-throw ‘chaos’, Arsenal will look to respond with precision, balance and the evolving versatility of Declan Rice.
