Ex-Arsenal Youth Player Outscoring Current Wingers

Arsenal’s season has not gone according to plan so far. Manager Mikel Arteta has faced challenges including controversial refereeing decisions, numerous injuries, and underwhelming performances from key attacking players when fit.

While Bukayo Saka was in excellent form before getting injured, and even Kai Havertz seemed on track for a 20-goal season, wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have failed to meet expectations.

After scoring 17 goals and providing 2 assists in 46 appearances last season, averaging a goal involvement every 2.42 games, there were high hopes for Trossard to replicate that form this year. However, his output has declined significantly.

In 36 appearances so far this season, totaling 2190 minutes, the 30-year-old Belgian has scored just 5 goals and provided 7 assists. This averages out to a goal involvement every 3.08 games or every 183 minutes – a noticeable drop from last year’s productivity.

Similarly, before his injury setback, Martinelli was having a disappointing campaign in terms of his attacking returns. The Brazilian has managed 7 goals and 4 assists in 35 appearances (2378 minutes), averaging a goal involvement every 3.18 games or 216 minutes.

With Havertz now ruled out for the remainder of the season, Arsenal’s wide attackers will need to dramatically increase their offensive output. This is especially true considering a former academy player deemed surplus to requirements is outperforming them this season.

That player is Chuba Akpom, Arsenal’s second all-time top scorer at U21 level with 33 goals. After leaving the Gunners permanently in 2018, Akpom has enjoyed successful spells with PAOK Salonika, Middlesbrough and Ajax before joining Lille on loan in February.

Despite changing clubs mid-season, the 29-year-old striker has been prolific in front of goal. In 35 appearances totaling 1698 minutes, Akpom has scored 10 goals and provided 1 assist. This equates to a goal involvement every 3.18 games or more impressively, every 154.36 minutes.

At the start of the season, the idea of Akpom getting game time for Arsenal would have seemed absurd. However, given the club’s injury crisis and poor form of Trossard and Martinelli, the former academy prospect could potentially have been a useful squad option for Arteta’s side.