In a graph put together by Ed Shorthouse, we can see that after four games Arsenal are creating a fraction of what the other top teams are.

The graph (@ed_shorthouse) shows that Arsenal are creating around nine chances per game, with our expected goal rate at 0.85. To put this into perspective, Liverpool are creating 16 per 90 minutes (xG 1.775), Chelsea 14.75 (2.025), Man City 12.75 (1.975) and Everton 14.25 (1.775).

So, why are we creating so little?

Firstly, it’s reassuring to note that we’re only four games into the new season and we have made new signings that haven’t been involved yet. We’ve had players out through injury and been shuffled around a lot. It’s fair to say that Arsene Wenger is probably yet to find a starting XI that he’s actually happy with, so this most likely contributes to both confidence and creativity.

Playing Alexis up front is a sure-fire way to dampen our creativity, since he can’t play as a loan striker and gets isolated. Giroud is also yet to get a proper look in.

Looking at the graph, it is worrying and we should be creating more but let’s not overreact just yet…