Arsenal Must Utilize Squad Depth While Rivals Slide

Arsenal have improved their winning streak to six consecutive league games. The Gunners are sitting pretty but need to utilize their depth in order to press on.

Arsenal barely hung on over the weekend to defeat Swansea three goals to two. This was by no means Arsenal’s best game but was also far from the opening day debacle against Liverpool.

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All in all the victory over Swansea was a mix of luck, lack of focus and gutsy perseverance. Much like the GUnner’s previous league win against Burnley, their most recent victory was far more about grabbing three points than putting together a convincing performance.

Arsenal have not beaten Swansea at Emirates Stadium since 2012, and with the Swans welcoming in a new manager the task of claiming victory was not simple for Arsene Wenger’s men.

In the end the Gunners claimed the points needed to maintain momentum in the league, especially with Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool all dropping points. Arsenal now face Ludogorets in the Champions League and it is incredibly important that Wenger utilizes his full squad in the midweek clash.

The Gunners have been enjoying life with Alexis Sanchez leading the line. The dynamic Chilean has been a revelation at center forward, chipping in five goals and five assists in nine total starts for Arsenal. The former Barcelona man’s unpredictable and frenetic style has completely changed Arenal’s attack, but the fiery South American needs to be rested this week along with several first team mainstays.

One thing that was an issue for this squad last season was a serious dearth of quality throughout the squad. That is no longer the case with the current side. It could be seen as blasphemy but it is my belief that Lucas Perez should get the start  ahead of Alexis Sanchez should be rested in lieu of Lucas Perez.

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Since his scintillating performance against Nottingham Fores, Perez has been biding his time patiently on the bench. Wenger needs to put faith in the Spanish hit man and give him a run out in the upcoming fixture.

Perez is a mobile and hardworking striker who can emulate some of the exciting qualities that Alexis brings.  Sanchez is far too crucial to this team’s success to pile too many minutes on his legs.

After playing a tough game against Swansea and also making appearances on international duty, the Chilean needs a rest. Alexis Sanchez will run himself into the ground if Wenger does not intervene, he has done it before. The manager needs to step in and protect the player from himself. Furthermore Wenger needs to show faith in his new No. 9.

The Gunner’s rotation must extend beyond be the striker position. They may need to take a look at their defense and consider making some changes. How long can Hector Bellerin play without a rest? Should Mohammed Elneny start in place of Santi Carzola and give the Spaniard a rest? Did Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain do enough with his impressive Swansea cameo to earn some playing time?

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Arsenal finally have the depth it takes to make a sustained campaign in several competition. Wenger needs to use the diverse amount of weapons he has in his locker.