Arsenal: Henrikh Mkhitaryan a more important capture than Aubameyang

Arsenal made two monumental acquisitions in January, but it’s impossible to argue that Henrikh Mkhitaryan was the bigger of the two.

Arsenal’s two major January signings both had a sizable impact on the convincing win over Everton, but it was clear who made the bigger splash – Henrikh Mkhitaryan. And while it is just one match, I am here to argue that Mkhitaryan is actually the far more important capture than his counterpart, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

People are probably thinking I’m just not that enthused about Aubameyang given how much I’ve downplayed his arrival, but that isn’t the case. I just want to draw attention away from the biggest name and towards the bigger need. Arsenal had a plethora of needs, none of which we actually expected to be seriously addressed in January.

And, actually, very few were, but the two additions that were made changed a lot for the team going forward. I’m just here to argue that Mkhitaryan changes more, unlocks more, and is going to have a bigger impact than Aubameyang. Although, again, they are both huge. I’m not selling Auba short.

The reason I keep harping about Mkhitaryan can be boiled down to what we saw against Everton. Obviously we can’t expect three assists every match, but what you can expect is the work rate, dedication and creativity that we saw from start to finish.

It’s not just in his individual performance that we see the successes he can bring though. Probably the most important change that Mkhitaryan brings is how he can partner with Mesut Ozil.

For years now we have been trying to figure out how to get the best out of our German maestro. There is not fix-all, but there are certain things that are guaranteed to make him more effective. More weapons up front, more protection in behind, more movement around him – these are all keys to a successful Ozil.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

But having a contemporary next to him? That is the biggest upgrade of them all. Ozil does not want to be the center of attention on the pitch, and with someone like Mkhitaryan out there with him, he won’t be.

Aubameyang gives Ozil a new weapon to play with, but Mkhitaryan gives Ozil the space and freedom to utilize him to the best of his abilities.

Mkhitaryan is like Ozil, only with toned down genius and toned up effort. They are every bit each other’s equal, as we will see in the months and years to come. The way they combine is going to wow the world, and that all starts from the acquisition of the Armenian.

Next: 3 Things You May Have Missed From Mkhitaryan Masterclass

I am beyond thrilled that both Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan are here, but it was Mkhitaryan that truly had me hooked. Which means I guess I should be thanking Jose Mourinho and Alexis Sanchez. Feels rather odd.

Home/Arsenal News