The cracks aren't papered over, Mikel Arteta still has a serious LW problem

You're right. It is weird to claim Arsenal has a LW problem just days after Gabriel Martinelli's equaliser got Arsenal a much-valued point - something they would have felt hard done by with. Arsenal fans really thought they deserved a win after playing that way against Manchester City, and it was clear to see why.

However, what happened, happened. Martinelli did come on. He did score the equaliser. Well, then why am I writing this article?

Arsenal still need a winger. They needed one this summer, but they chose not to go for anyone. They could have signed someone - anyone, who was available and a clear upgrade on the two left-wingers they have - but they didn't.

Now, they face a situation where they either put an attacking midfielder out of position and play him as a winger or play Eberechi Eze. Or, they stick with their guns and keep playing one of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. There is not much else they can do.

Arsenal simply need more from the left wing

That is the problem, though. They need more from one of the most important positions on the team. They need more from their left-wingers, but every time they start, it seems like they are a shadow of themselves.

Each time the two players come off the bench, they make Arsenal fans feel hope again - like there is no need for any winger in existence.

In reality, both Martinelli and Trossard are good in their own right. They are best utilised against tired legs while chasing a game or a goal. However, when they actually start games, it gets a bit more complex than that.

They start struggling, because they are playing against fresh legs. Against low blocks, they don't find the space required to go at the defense repeatedly, just the way they like it.

So, I get it. It is difficult for them to do that. But Arsenal have to realise that this is their weakest position by some distance.

Playing someone out of position will not cut it. The two left-wingers right now are certainly not cutting it, and how much time can you really give either of them (or, at least one of them) when the pressure is so high at the top level?

So, it begs the question: what is Mikel Arteta going to do? What will he do? Does he go and sign someone in the summer? Or does he try for a winger in January? Or, does he just stick with what he has and hope that he can make it work? Time will tell.