Arsenal: 5 questions Mikel Arteta must answer

1. Can he solve the central midfield?

No position in the team has underwhelmed its expectations this season more than central midfield. While centre-back has been poorest performing group of players, the struggles at the position were expected. In midfield, however, there was hope that Arsenal could form at least a competent group. Rarely has than been the case.

Whether it be injuries, poor management, subpar individual form, or a combination of all three, the central midfield has rarely been the strength of the team. Even under Arteta, while significant strides have been made, he has still be forced to protect and hide Granit Xhaka, rotate his partner heavily, unhappy with the contributions of each, and rely on a Mesut Ozil who has now provided just one goal and one assist in 909 minutes of action since Arteta arrived.

It is a hugely underwhelming group, and it has often led Arsenal to lack control in games, rely on attacking individuals to create goals from nothing, and expose an already leaky and unconvincing backline. The crux of the team has crumbled, and it has left those around the edges to pick up the pieces.

If Arsenal are to go on a run and finish in the top five, the central midfield must be more effective than it has been thus far. Whether Arteta and the players at his disposal can solve that problem, though, is another question entirely.