Arsenal vs Blackpool: 5 key players to get back to winning

3. Sokratis

I’m convinced that Unai Emery gave Sokratis the day off against Crystal Palace to try to spot him an extra break from his injury layoff, and that he had every intention of sending him out against Blackpool to see how he was holding up physically.

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Which means that, to stay in line with this theory that I’m positing, Sokratis is one convincing performance away from getting back into the Premier League starting XI where he belongs.

The no-nonsense approach of the big Greek defender is sorely missed when you have Mr. Nonsense himself, Shkodran Mustafi, and Nonsense Jr., Rob Holding. That may be harsh on Holding, but he’s still learning, so I’ll shut up about him.

Since there are literally no other options at centerback, unless Konstantinos Mavropanos comes back, it’s likely we see Sokratis anchoring whatever makeshift defense that Emery can cobble together. The good thing is, he is going to be well up to the task at hand.

Let’s move on to No. 2.