Arsenal: 5 players who need to step up for Mikel Arteta

Arsenal: 5 players who need to step up

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 26, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images) /

2 of 5

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can’t be blamed for a lack of effort this season. That is unjust. In every performance he’s had there has been a real hunger and desire. He looks engaged.

Does that mean he’s been playing well? Breaking it down game by game:

Full of beans in brief Chelsea cameo
Electric at West Brom
A passenger vs Man City when the entire team faltered and he was isolated
Always moving against Norwich and grabbed the vital goal
Was let down at Turf Moor with wasteful final balls
Outstanding in the North London Derby
Pretty dreadful at Brighton

His most recent performance stands out: nothing stuck to his feet at Brighton; his touch was woeful. It was from every point of view a really poor display, which was near enough the case for everyone on the pitch.

In terms of effort the captain has been active and forceful with his performances but let down by individual errors at Brighton and poor service in other instances.

Nonetheless, Arsenal need goals. He is the talisman in this team and the one everyone relies on to be hitting 20 goals this season, therefore if the service has been dodgy he needs to ensure each successful pass is utilised to its fullest. Equally, balls to feet can’t ping off him like flubber in a laboratory.

Arsenal need the goals.

Continued…

Home/Arsenal News