Arsenal: 4 players who need to improve this season

We’re over a quarter of the season down, and after only three matches had been and gone, Arsenal couldn’t be much happier with where they find themselves now as the third international break is underway.

Sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table with Spurs, albeit fortuitously, right at the top was one of the lowest points supporters will have faced in many a year.

Arsenal have taken us through all the emotions so far this season, from the soaring heights of a North London Derby win to the despairing lows of having one shot and 19% possession away at Manchester City.

That’s quite the contrast of emotions.

4 players who need to improve for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta when the Premier League resumes after the international break

It’s also been a contrast of emotions for much of the squad. One can never wax lyrical enough about the summer signings who’ve joined the club and made a considerable impact, banishing their ‘backup’ tags and justifying their one-time questionable purchases.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may not be in his peak anymore but he has shown a new string to his bow with outstanding work rate and on-field leadership unlike that seen previously under Mikel Arteta. Thomas Partey has looked back to his best with some excellent outings in midfield, while Alexandre Lacazette has shown his fighting spirit to wrestle his way back into the team.

Lots of positives, but not all positives.

There are some players who will return from the international break with a point to prove. Amid some encouraging outings from many of the squad, others haven’t quite hit the mark yet and when their chances come after the break there is room for improvement.

1. Martin Odegaard

Across all six summer acquisitions, if they were being ranked from most to least effective then Martin Odegaard would earn the unfortunate spot at the bottom of that pile.

Looking impressive in the home win over Norwich and then following that up with a match winning goal against Burnley the following week signaled the start of a fruitful spell in north London.

Continuing that trend with his best outing for the club since signing permanently in the 3-1 win over Tottenham, the £30m parted with to bring him to Arsenal looked like money well spent already. And, despite his dip in form, it still is.

Tough outings away at Brighton and at home to Crystal Palace set Odegaard back and he’s been unable to break his way back into the team since given the form of Lacazette.

The Frenchman will not be a regular fixture in the starting lineups all season long as opposition teams come to terms with the Gunners’ setup, and when Odegaard is reinstated he has to work on imposing himself on games in the way he’s capable of. His touch has abandoned him of late but when he’s on the pitch everyone in red and white is in play; that’s what he brings to this team.

That’s all been lacking of late. However, seeing the fire in his belly against Watford indicates that his best form isn’t far away.

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