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As the 2018-19 Premier League season entered its final phase the race for the top 4 finish has got much more intense. Arsenal are up and running as their 2-0 win over Manchester United on March 10 has lifted the team’s confidence.
Manager Unai Emery will be hoping for a top 4 finish which would enable his side to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Although the Gunners won their Europa League pre-quarter game against the French club Stade Rennais with a 3-0 scoreline, their win over Manchester United will surely act as a morale booster.
Arsenal has looked a much more improved side as compared to last season. Their forward line has looked much more intense and penetrative as their strikers have played much more freely. Their midfield has looked fluid and has supported the forward line quite well.
Their midfielders have looked to build up play by creating more chances which have helped the strikers move inside the box with ease. Their defense has looked resolute but still, they need to show more resistance when it comes to playing against sides who are quick on counter attacks and teams who are dangerous at the flanks.
Unai Emery and team management have allowed the players to play to their strengths. Emery has trusted in his players' abilities and the players are responding well. The 47-year-old manager has made some vital changes in the team’s composition as per the opposition’s strengths which is working quite well at the moment.
The induction of young Uruguayan Lucas Torreira has added a much-needed bite in the midfield. Arsenal has got a good mix of youth and experience in their squad which is working in the team's favour.
The North London club has got some top class performers in their line up who have played a crucial role for the side in the ongoing season. We take a look at 5 such players who have impressed the most this season.
#1 Pierre Emerick Aubameyang
Emerick Aubameyang started his campaign for Arsenal against Everton on 4th February last year scoring a goal in his team’s 4-1 victory. Since then Aubameyang has looked in decent goalscoring form and has scored 17 goals in 29 games in the 2018-19 season.
He has also registered 4 goals in 7 Europa League games in the current season. Aubameyang is considered one of the finest strikers in the Premier League at the moment as the striker has showcased his goal-scoring prowess.
The Gabon international has been a vital link in the forward line for the Gunners. The 29-year-old also played a crucial role for Borussia Dortmund scoring 98 goals in 144 games. The striker has been the core of the forward line and his combination with Alexander Lacazette has been 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 has been a threat to his opponent’s.
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 Europa League games too. His electric pace and speed have outclassed the best defenses.
#2 Lucas Torreira
The Uruguayan sensation has shaped up quite well at Arsenal after his arrival at the North London club. Although the youngster has only scored 2 goals in 29 Premier League games this season, the midfielder has amazed everyone with his persistent tackles and resilience.
The 23-year-old has looked at ease since his arrival at Arsenal playing his natural pressing game. The midfielder’s deceptive moves combined with his ability to harry the opposition’s forwards with his clever regaining of possession has puzzled the opponents.
Keeping his age in mind, Torreira has got enough time to develop as a player by playing alongside some of the greats of the game. Torreira is one of the finest talents and has a bright future ahead of him.
The former Pescara player adds a lot of power in the Arsenal midfield because of his ability to arrive inside the box whenever there is a goal scoring opportunity. Manager Unai Emery has also shown faith in the youngster's ability which might help him to grow as a player.
#3 Alexandre Lacazatte
After being omitted from the French side in last year’s World Cup in Russia, Lacazatte looked to improve his game. Lacazatte has turned out to be a precious find for Arsenal because of his attacking skills.
Lacazatte played as a winger for Lyon before playing as a striker. The Frenchman has turned out to be a key figure for Arsenal, as the 27-year-old has been 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. Lacazatte has been a threat inside the box because of his precise finishes and clever moves.
His partnership with Aubameyang has caused a few problems for the opposition’s defense. He had scored 100 goals for his former club Lyon in 203 games which speaks about the talent the French striker possesses.
Lacazatte has scored 12 goals in 29 games for Arsenal this season with 9 assists to his name and will be looking to continue with his impressive run of form in the upcoming games.
#4 Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka has been an influential figure for the Gunners in the midfield. The Swiss international started his association with Arsenal in 2016 and since then has produced some decent performances for Arsenal, manning his team’s midfield with authority.
Xhaka can also play as an attacking midfielder as he can play offensively as well as defensively. The midfielder has always delivered during crucial moments and has been one of the most exciting midfielders in the Premier League at the moment.
Unai Emery had stated that a player like Xhaka adds a lot of strength in the team because of his ability to outclass the best defenses with his precise passing and ball control. Xhaka has been quite a handful because of his ability to dictate play from deep.
The 26-year-old can also outfox the opposition’s defense with his set-piece ability and shot power. He has also showcased his ability to win aerial duels and has had his fair share of interceptions and ball recoveries.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach player has notched up 4 goals in 18 Premier League games this season with 1 assist to his name. Xhaka's presence adds a lot of fluency in this Arsenal outfit. Known for his excellent playmaking skills, the Swiss is considered one of the best midfielders from his nation.
#5 Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Sokratis has been one of the most reliable defenders along with Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny in this Arsenal squad. The trio has formed an effective partnership in the defensive set up. The Greek is known for his never-say-die attitude which has helped the team during crucial moments.
The defender has been an essential component in Arsenal's defense because of his ability to shut out the best attacks with his brave tackles. Sokratis has also showcased his ability to operate sharply on the right side of a back three. The 30-year-old has been the heart of Arsenal's defense since his arrival at the club.
Sokratis has looked threatening because of his ability to counter the best attacks with his intelligent positioning. He has also got the knack of creating chances inside the box with his precise long passes.
The defender has also shown his adaptability to change his game as per the strength of the opposition. The former Borussia Dortmund player has loads of experience of playing some of the best European clubs which has helped his team during pressure situations.
Sokratis is considered one of the finest defenders in the Premier League at the moment. The 30-year-old has looked sharp during aerial duels and can floor the best attacks with his brave interceptions. He has also scored 2 goals in the ongoing Europa League season.
