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Arsenal fans will be hoping to see their side produce some inspiring performances in the upcoming English Premier League season, as the 2017-18 English Premier League season turned out to be a disappointing one for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger’s side finished at the sixth position in the points table in the last season.
Arsenal lost to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final, which turned out to be yet another disappointment for Arsene Wenger as winning the Europa League could have boosted his side’s morale and helped them qualify for the 2018-19 Champions League season.
Arsene Wenger called it a day at the end of the 2017-18 Premier League season as his team wasn’t delivering the desired results due to which he faced a lot of criticism from the fans. Many expressed their disappointment over his unceremonious exit. Unai Emery has been appointed as Arsenal’s new manager and the Spaniard had stated that his first step would be to ensure that Arsenal finish in the top four in the League standings.
The Spaniard had stated that knowing every player's mindset will be the key. He also went on to say that the side looks a balanced one in every department, though it will need a collective effort to produce the desired results. It also depends on what type of formation he opts for against some top-ranked teams.
This season's Arsenal team looks as if it could possibly produce some positive results. We take a look at 5 players who might play a crucial role for Arsenal in the upcoming Premier League season.
#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Emerick Aubameyang started his campaign for Arsenal against Everton on 4th February this year, scoring a goal in his team’s 4-1 victory. Aubameyang looked in decent goal form since his arrival at Arsenal, scoring 10 goals in 13 games in the last season.
The Gabon international will be a vital link for Arsenal in the forward line as the Gunners will be hoping the striker comes good in the upcoming season. The 29-year-old played a crucial role for Borussia Dortmund since the last five seasons, scoring 98 goals in 144 games.
The striker will be considered the core of the forward line and his combination with Alexandre Lacazette could be an important factor for Arsenal. The former Borussia Dortmund player’s ability to breach the opposition’s defense, combined with his ability to keep the ball in possession can be a threat to his opponents.
His effortless finishes have been a treat to watch and have always looked immaculate. Aubameyang will definitely be the heart of Arsenal’s forward line in the upcoming season.
#2 Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian sensation seems to be shaping up quite well at Arsenal after his ordinary outings with Manchester United. Mkhitaryan made his debut for Arsenal this year in February, providing 3 assists against Everton.
Though he could score only 2 goals in 11 games for Arsenal, the 29-year-old has looked at ease since his arrival at Arsenal, playing his natural attacking game. The midfielder’s deceptive moves, combined with his ability to round up the opposition’s defense with his clever passes, have looked spot on.
The midfielder can also play as a second striker and looks quite organized while creating chances for his teammates with his inventive moves. The former Manchester United player adds a lot of width in the Arsenal midfield because of his ability to arrive inside the box whenever there is a goal-scoring opportunity.
Mkhitaryan didn’t enjoy Jose Mourinho’s confidence while playing under him for Manchester United, but Unai Emery had recently stated that Mkhitaryan will surely be Arsenal’s go-to man during pressure situations.
#3 Alexandre Lacazzate
After being dropped from the French side in the just-concluded World Cup in Russia, Alexandre Lacazzate will be hoping to produce his best and will be raring to showcase his class.
Lacazzate played as a winger for Lyon before playing as a striker. The Frenchman could turn out to be a key figure for Arsenal, as the 27-year-old can be a reliable option in the forward line with his electric pace and quality dribbles.
The striker has the ability to win the ball back from the opposition with his muscular tackles and can outclass the rivals with his quick counter attacks. Lacazzate can be a threat inside the box because of his precise finishes and clever moves.
His partnership with Aubameyang can cause a few problems for the opposition’s defense. He has scored 100 goals for Lyon FC in 203 games. Lacazzate scored 14 goals in 32 games for Arsenal in the last season and will be looking to continue with the impressive performance this season too.
#4 Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny will be eager to prove his worth after missing the just-concluded World Cup in Russia because of an injury. The 32-year-old can provide a much-needed solidity in the defense.
The Frenchman started his association with Arsenal in 2010 and since then, has been the rock of Arsenal’s defense manning it with authority. The defender has a lot of experience in facing some big teams, which could be quite a handful for some of the younger players of the team when it comes to playing in demanding situations.
Unai Emery had stated that a player like Koscielny can bring a lot of expertise because of his ability to read the game. Koscielny can be quite a handful because of his ability to win the ball back from the opposition and because of his muscular tackles and timely interceptions.
He can be equally good during aerial duels while his long crosses can be handy. Although Laurent Koscielny could be out of action during the initial stages of the season, Arsenal fans will be hoping for his quick recovery.
#5 Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey has been one of the key figures since he started his association with the club in the 2008-09 season. The 27-year-old has been quite influential for his side in recent years and has been a vital link in Arsenal’s midfield line-up.
Ramsey has developed himself into a player who can deliver during crunch situations. Ramsey is technically quite strong and can be quite dangerous offensively as well as defensively. Arsene Wenger had once stated that his intensity on the field has always motivated his teammates to give their best.
The midfielder can be a tricky customer because of his electric pace and his ability to control the ball inside the rival’s territory. His quick moves have often outfoxed the best defenses as the Wales international can surprise his opponents by setting himself up in goal-scoring positions.
Aaron Ramsey has all the qualities of a complete midfielder and will surely be a vital cog in Arsenal’s wheel.
