Arsenal: 5 players who failed to meet expectations

1. Sokratis

Two summers ago, Arsenal signed Greek international Sokratis Papastathopoulos to be an experienced, leading, short-term solution at the centre-back position while they allowed younger players to develop in his shadow. In his first season at the club, Sokratis performed this role well. He was not perfect, but he was embattled defensively and led by example.

However, in his second season, the former Borussia Dortmund man has done little but disappoint. His performances have been diabolical, littered with defensive errors and severe restrictions in possession, he initially lost his starting job to Calum Chambers, then Shkodran Mustafi and now Pablo Mari, and he is still being paid almost £100,000 per week.

His willingness to fill in at right-back has been admirable, but as a leadership figure in the dressing room, he has been absent, both under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta. When allied with his disastrous performances, it is not a particularly tasty recipe.

Arsenal’s defence has been problematic throughout the season. Sokratis was meant to be the leader of the unit, on and off the pitch. Now, if not for injuries, he would fifth-choice. Talk about failing to meet expectations.