Arsenal: The 5 players who must step up to make top five

1. Alexandre Lacazette

It was in the second half of last season that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette took it on themselves to routinely rescue Arsenal. A team lacking in definition and clarity thanks to Unai Emery, they looked like a mid-table outfit through the entire pitch until it came to the penalty box. Then Aubameyang and Lacazette took over.

Aubameyang has carried that same form into this season. Lacazette, who dealt with an ankle injury earlier in the year, failed to replicate his Player of the Season performances this year and has seen his place in the team come under threat from Eddie Nketiah.

Nevertheless, Arsenal are at their best when the Frenchman is firing on all cylinders. And after a very difficult winter period, there were signs he might be rediscovering his confidence and form. Lacazette scored three goals in his last four games, of which two came from off the bench.

If Arsenal get the Player of the Season version of Lacazette, they might finally have the attack to partner the strong improvements Arteta has made in other positions. However, if Lacazette continues to struggle, the Gunners can wave goodbye to Champions League football for another year.