Arsenal: Best starting XI when everyone is fit

Front Three

Alongside Bernd Leno, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been Arsenal’s best player this season. He is a must-start player, of course, but in which position does he play? As the left-sided attacker or as a centre-forward? Well, that depends on who you select out of the other options available.

It ultimately comes down to a decision between Alexandre Lacazette as the centre-forward or Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka on the left. Lacazette offers something no one else can: the ability to hold up the ball. Aubameyang has struggled through the middle, his touch letting him down. He can be isolated and Arsenal struggle to build attacks as a result. Lacazette’s terrific first touch and comfort with dropping into midfield is critical to the entire system. For that reason, he starts, with Aubameyang on the left.

The final position goes to Nicolas Pepe. Saka has never played on the right side and the offensive balance of the front three has been out of sync whenever Martinelli has played on the right. Pepe has not lived up to expectations this season, but he still has six goals and eight assists in all competitions. It is not sensational production, but it still ranks joint-second in direct goal contributions.

Ultimately, this exercise provides the following two conclusions: Arsenal have good variety and depth — Mustafi, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Martinelli and Saka are all unfortunate to miss out. Arsenal have a lack of elite quality. And it is this last fact that must be addressed in the transfer window.