We are almost a month into the new season, with Arsenal exceeding all expectations thanks to their promising start to the campaign. The Gunners are flying high inside the top four, but there’s so much work still to be done.
Here, at The 4th Official, we take a look at three Arsenal players who need to step up this season if Mikel Arteta’s men are to sustain their excellent early season form throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Kieran Tierney
Following a bright start to his Arsenal career, Kieran Tierney has failed to pick up from where he had left off last season.
The Scot has remained fairly solid in defence but had one or two difficulties dealing with Mohamed Salah in the game against Liverpool. However, the main problem Tierney could face this season is the growing competition in central defence, with players like Gabriel, David Luiz and Rob Holding pushing for a place in the first-team.
It might force Mikel Arteta to reshift Tierney into the left-back role, where he will have to compete with Bukayo Saka or Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Therefore, the ex-Celtic star must step up the gears in the coming weeks.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is undoubtedly a surprise inclusion on this list, it is probably fair to point out that the Gabonese international is yet to provide his best so far.
We are still at an early stage of the season, so it won’t be fair to point out the fact that Auba has scored only one goal in four matches. However, the striker has clearly struggled to influence the game, at times, and has looked anonymous for the majority of the campaign.
For example, Aubameyang is averaging only 1.5 shots on goal per game this season compared to the 2.6 he managed during the 2019/20 campaign. He certainly needs to improve those numbers, given how important he is to the Arsenal attack.
Willian
Willian started his Arsenal career on a very positive note, registering two assists in the opening Premier League game against Fulham. But since then, the Brazilian is yet to provide any good performance.
The ex-Chelsea star has looked anonymous, making minimal impact on the right flank. It is very disappointing for a player who was brought in to provide the void that was created due to the absence of the creative Mesut Ozil.
Willian clearly needs to improve, especially with players like Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka pushing for the first-team while Gabriel Martinelli is also nearing his return to the pitch.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
