Arsenal: 10 Massive Things We Learned About Gunners In 2016

2. Santi Cazorla is damn near irreplaceable

As one of the biggest Santi Cazorla skeptics of the past few years, I stand here in shame, completely wrong and seeking redemption. The Spanish magician has always been good at a few things – dribbling, passing, controlling the ball.

But they didn’t overshadow what I thought was a replaceable role. I didn’t see what he had that Ramsey, Wilshere or even Jon Toral couldn’t have (maybe they can find it yet…).

Sometime last year it clicked. And by sometime, I mean during the time when he was hurt. Cazorla brings security to the transitional part of the game that has plagued the Gunners. Cazorla is the cog that turns defense into attack, which is such a vital piece of a team like Arsenal, who grab a lot of their goals on the quick counter.

Without that linking piece, the clunky transition can lead to near-disasters and missed opportunities.

Cazorla makes sure those things don’t happen. He sees to it we turn things around quick, move fluidly and strike confidently.

While a long-term solution needs to be found, right now, we just need the Spaniard back.

Finally, at No. 1, our golden boy makes an appearance.