Arsenal: Henrikh Mkhitaryan can graduate from a ‘coincidence’

Arsenal have now had two straight positive matches from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but he still needs to graduate from a coincidence.

Arsenal‘s “Fab Four” never really took flight. This season was supposed to be run by this unstoppable attacking force composed of four veteran attackers, all more deadlier than the last.

And while Henrikh Mkhitaryan was by no means the biggest name of the bunch – arguably the smallest name, but in such elite company, saying that you are fourth of four isn’t exactly an insult, so much as it is a celebration of the crew as a whole.

As has been talked about on countless opportunities, Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil were the primary culprits behind not pulling their weight in this prestigious company of attacking prowess. Both have had flashes of brilliance, brief flashes, usually a match or two, before fading away again.

I live by the concept that “once is a fluke, twice is a coincidence, three times is skill.” And seeing as how this is the case, Mkhitaryan is on the brink of graduating into a realm that he has never been in since he came to the Emirates.

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In just over a year, Mkhitaryan has proven to have tremendous ability, but it never manages to go beyond a match or two before he either slips up and can’t carry on his good form, or gets hurt. It’s been frustrating for the same reasons Ozil is a frustrating player – we see what he can do, but we also see that, for whatever reason, he can’t do it consistently.

Mkhitaryan has just had his second positive match in a row. He was a primary force against BATE Borisov, leading the team in chances created and earning Man of the Match honors here at Pain in the Arsenal. And against Southampton, he was just as good, even if it only lasted for a half. He made such an impact in that half that it carried him into a second consecutive Man of the Match.

He was responsible for a goal and an assist, which satisfied the final 2-0 scoreline. And thus, Mkhitaryan has a unique opportunity to move on into the category that we’ve been dying to get him and Ozil into – three in a row.

The confidence is coursing in the Armenian, who has been delivering inspirational speeches post-match about getting back into the Champions League. I like this Mkhitaryan, and i hope he is here to stay.