Willian started the season with a very promising debut performance against Fulham creating two goals and playing a major part in another. However, his recent performances have seen him draw criticism from some Arsenal fans and left them wondering if they’ve been sold a dream over the veteran winger.
The 32-year-old left Chelsea at the end of last season after failing to agree terms for a new contract. The Brazilian wanted a contract length of three years however, Chelsea’s strict over-30 policy meant they were only willing to offer a two-year extension.
Many criticised Chelsea after the winger then went on to sign for London rivals Arsenal, with those believing the Blues had failed to see he had more to offer despite his age.
Willian was at Chelsea for seven years, signing in August 2013, scoring 63 goals and assisting 65 in his 343 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
However, it was his performances after the football restart last season that led everyone to believe he was still a valuable asset for any top side.
Although were his displays overhyped by the numbers?
Overall last season, Willian made 47 appearances scoring 11 goals and assisting nine times. At first glance that gives the 32-year-old a goal contribution of every 2.35 games.
In comparison to his ex-team-mates, he ranked third behind Christian Pulisic who had a goal contribution every 1.61 games and Tammy Abraham (1.96 games).
Willian’s output would have placed him fourth at Arsenal last season behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (1.38 games), Gabriel Martinelli (1.85 games) and Alexandre Lacazette (2.1 games).
So surely, he was a greater asset for Chelsea to lose and a sublime player for the Gunners to add to their arsenal?
However, if you take a look at the numbers in greater depth you soon discover that when Willian delivered, it was in bulk. Out of all 47 Chelsea appearances he made last season, he only contributed in 11 of them. Delving further, in five of these games he had more than one goal contribution. So, in actual fact his goal contributions came every 4.3 matches.
Which is where the frustrations for Chelsea fans grew and what the Arsenal fans are now experiencing first hand for themselves.
Willian’s talent is undeniable, but his consistency is questionable.
This is proven by his average rating from WhoScored, failing to reach above 7.5 in six of his seven seasons in west London.
Willian’s statistics last season especially after lockdown were heavily aided by being given penalty duty, as Jorginho fell out of favour.
In total the winger scored four out of his 11 goals from the spot, none of which were won by himself.
A further goal came from a free-kick against West Ham – totalling five from set-pieces. Yet for someone with so much ability with a dead ball, Chelsea fans will tell you their frustration at his inability to clear the first man when taking corners.
Remarkably, the 32-year-old didn’t record a single assist directly from a set piece despite being the main man for wide free-kicks and corners all season.
The improvement for Chelsea this season having let Willian go has been drastic. The Blues have already scored three goals directly from deliveries from free-kicks or corners.
Frank Lampard looked to bring in young attacking talent to replace Willian over the summer and from their previous few games they seem to have upgraded with the addition of Hakim Ziyech.
Meanwhile, Arsenal looked to add experience to their youthful wingers that include Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson.
Yet following the Willian’s recent performance against Aston Villa, which saw the Gunners defeated 3-0 at home, many Arsenal fans have called for manager Mikel Arteta to axe the veteran winger and give the young attackers a chance to prove their worth.
The season still has a long way to run meaning Willian could still flip his fortunes around and prove to the world that he is the world beater many believe he is.
However, as of right now, the Brazilian is facing an uphill battle to convince his Arsenal critics that he still has the quality that won has won him two Premier League titles at Chelsea.
By Sajidur Rahman
