Mikel Arteta has challenged Declan Rice to improve his long throws to match the standard of Michael Kayode after describing the Brentford defender’s as the best in the Premier League. Kayode has the longest average throw-in distance, 33.2m, in the division by more than five metres and has helped his side to score three times this season.
Arsenal, who host Brentford on Wednesday, have yet to register a goal from a throw-in, but lead the way for set-piece goals, joint with Manchester United, on 10. Rice has played a huge role in that with his pinpoint deliveries from corners and free-kicks and is the designated thrower in attacking positions. But Arteta acknowledged the midfielder has some way to go to match Kayode with ball in hands.
