Arsenal seems to be at it again. From close to the summit of the league table a week ago, the Gunners have somehow managed to drop down to their position eternal, fourth, after frustrating back to back defeats at the hands of Everton and Manchester City.
Despite leading by a goal in both the away games, Arsenal failed to either capitalise on it or defend it successfully. On both the occasions, the team saw itself displaying hapless defending in the second half that allowed the hosts to come back after trailing by a goal.
Critics have often stated this season that Arsenal look a completely different side in their approach. Although the nine points lead by Chelsea, who sit at the top of the table, doesn’t seem insurmountable by any means given how much of the season is still left, Arsenal can only turn this season around if the players step up their game. Fortunately, for Arsenal most players in the attacking third look quite in touch and it is the midfield and defence that looks dispirited.
Here are 3 Arsenal players who need to step up to keep their title ambitions burning.
Granit Xhaka- It isn’t always that one gets such a huge opportunity so early in the season to make a mark in one of the most exciting leagues in the world. With Cazorla out till early March at least, Xhaka has a brilliant chance to prove his quality. We have seen glimpses of his abilities so far, this season- his perfect long passes, his controlled long shooting prowess and brutal strength.
With such a dominant player in the midfield, the Arsenal team shouldn’t have to deal with such intense pressure by opponents. Surprisingly, he looked completely clueless in the last two matches and highly ineffective. One can blame Ozil all he wants but the German can’t do much without the ball at his feet. And providing him passes rests on the Swiss international.
Laurent Koscielny- He has brought his solid form into this season from last year. But, although there is little to complain about his defending, it is his lack of leadership at the back that is concerning. With Gabriel Paulista by his side, who looks shaky with the ball at his feet, the French international has to be more vocal and vivacious when the team is absorbing pressure. The last two matches have seen their skipper quite dispirited and it is a dangerous sight for the team.
Olivier Giroud- His selection in the first eleven has been a debating issue in the past few weeks with the Frenchman at his best currently and still starting from the bench. However, with Oxlade-Chamberlain limping off against City, we expect him to break into the first team soon and hope he takes the opportunity. His ability to hold the ball up front gives Arsenal time to reorganise when under pressure, and he could make a huge impact in the remainder of the season.
