Is this the midfielder this Arsenal team needs to shake off one glaring weakness next season?

 By Danong

Arsenal had an impressive 2023–24 season, finishing second in the Premier League with 89 points, just 2 points behind the league champions, Manchester City. Almost every stat this Arsenal team set was impressive; in fact, they broke record after record.

They set a club record-breaking 28 wins in a 38-game league campaign. They set a club record goal difference of +62, conceding the fewest goals (29) in 20 years. They also equaled the record for most goals from corners (16). 

Most of Arsenal's records were quite heartwarming, but there is one surprising statistic that has emerged, indicating the need for improvement in the upcoming season.

Arsenal scored a whopping 91 goals, but it's a bit of a letdown that only six of them were from outside the penalty area. The Gunners could use some more firepower from a distance. 

This discovery has exposed Arsenal's heavy reliance on close-range finishes and their limited ability to make impactful shots from a distance. 

While some Gooners may not view this stat as significant, given the continued success in scoring goals, it should be, as Arsenal strives for excellence in all areas. The fact that Manchester City scored 15 goals from outside the penalty area only highlights this weakness.

Being able to find the target from a distance and score from a long range, if not setting up the forwards for tap-ins, could have been really useful for the Gunners. 

It would have been handy in the first half of the season, especially considering the losses they experienced due to them struggling in front of goal. During the first half of the season, the team's attack lacked bite.

In the matches against Aston Villa (1-0 loss in December) and Newcastle (1-0 loss in November), having the option of long-range shots could have been useful. If Arsenal had won either of these matches, or even if they had ended in draws, they would have become the league champions. 

Arsenal appear to have mastered scoring from set pieces, and scoring from long range could be the key to their success next season.

With the transfer window upon us, Arsenal is looking to strengthen their midfield in addition to their attack. Maybe the Arsenal scouts should think about bringing in a top midfielder who has an eye for a shot. 

Even though he might be a bit expensive, Douglas Luiz is that player. The Brazilian definitely brings a much-needed long-range threat to a team. 

His shot-power rating in the FC 24 game was 83. In the 2023–24 Premier League season, Douglas Luiz, though a deep-lying midfielder, proved to be a consistent threat in front of goal. 

With 28 shots taken in 34 matches, he has shown his willingness to pull the trigger when the opportunity arises. His shooting accuracy of 60.71% is an impressive stat, with 17 of his shots finding the target. This accuracy has resulted in a goal for every 3.11 shots he takes, showcasing his efficiency in front of goal.

On average, he takes 0.87 shots per 90 minutes, highlighting his active involvement in the attacking phase of the game. 

Douglas Luiz's shooting stats speak volumes about his proficiency in front of goal and his ability to make a significant impact for his team.

We'll have to wait and see what happens this summer—if Luiz, who can't stop being linked with a move to the Emirates since Arsenal had three bids rejected for him, is finally captured.

Ultimately, Arsenal must step up their game in terms of scoring from distance. It could provide them with the extra boost they need to outwit Manchester City for the league title.