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There have been 15 Arsenal players in action during the World Cup and while some have shone others have faltered. Twists and turns have unfolded at the biggest tournament in world football including Germany and Brazil's shock early exits.
Heading to North America as a Premier League champion should have spurred players on to try and achieve glory. Some of Mikel Arteta's squad are attempting to do just that including Declan Rice whose performances have helped England reach the quarter-finals.
That said, others have endured disappointing campaigns and return to the Emirates with their confidence haven taken a knock. Here are five players who have ultimately underperformed.
Five Arsenal underperformers at the World Cup
Gabriel Magalhaes (Brazil)
The Brazilian centre-back enjoyed a sensational season at club level and has earned shouts to be named PFA Player of the Year. His colossal displays alongside William Saliba haven't been replicated during the World Cup.
In fact, Gabriel has looked a different player while representing Selecao. He struggled against arch-rival Erling Haaland as Brazil crashed out to Norway in the competition's Round of 16.
Gabriel remains one of the best defenders in world football but he didn't quite live up to expectations this summer. For Arteta, he'll be pleased to have the 28-year-old back without any injury concerns.
Piero Hincapie (Ecuador)
Arsenal made Piero Hincapie's loan move permanent for ÂŁ34.5m during the World Cup group stages. The left-back earned huge praise during his debut campaign with the Gunners but his exploits for Ecuador left much to be admired.
The Emirates faithful expected to see him prove his worth and help the South Americans stage a decent run. That wasn't the case after bowing out to Mexico in the Round of 32, and his tournament ended with a silly sending off.
Hincapie has the quality to star for his nation but it wasn't to be. Arteta will hope he quickly bounces back ahead of pre-season.
Kai Havertz (Germany)
It feels harsh to name Kai Havertz in this list because the versatile attacker managed three goals in four games. But Germany were the biggest disappointment at this summer's World Cup and the Gunners star couldn't prevent a shock defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32.
Havertz's woes were compounded after he missed a spot-kick in a penalty shootout defeat to the Paraguayans. While he wasn't among the worst performers for his country, he certainly didn't reach the level fans have seen since he arrived from Chelsea.
The 27-year-old will be eager to put his World Cup failure behind him ahead of his club's defence of their Premier League title. He'll also want to prove to Arteta that he should be a starter.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden)
With just one goal in four games, Viktor Gyokeres didn't do what Sweden required and that's lead the line effectively. Graham Potter started him at the focal point of the Swede's attack, with Liverpool's Alexander Isak often on the wing.
Gyokeres' only goal came in a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia in his nation's group stage opener. Many thought they'd kick on and be a real handful but they crumbled in a 3-0 loss to France in the Round of 32.
The jury is still out on the 28-year-old despite a decent debut season at the Emirates. He's still yet to become an undisputed starter for Arteta and his World Cup exploits suggest he might have a fight on his hands.
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