5 Arsenal players who are underperforming this season 

#3 Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey is, by far, the most important midfielder at Arsenal.

Thomas Partey's arrival at Arsenal seemed like a scene straight out of a thriller movie. The Gunners activated the Ghanaian's £45 million release clause in October 2020 and brought him to the club from Atletico Madrid.

While he has performed to the best of his abilities, there is a feeling around London Colney that Partey has not quite settled in yet. It could be the lack of experience around him as compared to his Atleti days, where he was protected by players like Diego Godin, Koke, Gabi and manager Diego Simeone. Another reason could be the topsy-turvy circumstances due to COVID-19 around the time of his move to North London.

Manager Mikel Arteta has publicly called on the midfielder to take charge of Arsenal's young midfield and be their leader this season. Thomas Partey has responded well to this so far, but AFCON, injuries and suspensions have been stumbling blocks.

The Ghanaian will return to action for the Gunners' clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 11th February following a one-game suspension.

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#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been disappointing on and off the field this season.

When Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang virtually carried Arsenal to their 14th FA Cup triumph in 2020, the mood at the club could not have been brighter. Pictures of him and Mikel Arteta with their arms around each other holding the trophy, did the rounds on social media. It sent Arsenal fans worldwide in a frenzy, leading them to believe a 'match made in heaven' was unfolding in front of their eyes.

Fast forward two years and the pair have not appeared together in public for over two months now. Arteta has stripped Aubameyang of the club's captaincy and has frozen him out of first team activities until further notice. The action came following a disciplinary breach by the Gabon international, something Arteta could not tolerate coming from the captain of Arsenal Football Club.

To add to that, his performances when he played were far from convincing. He missed sitter after sitter in every game he played, the worst one being against Newcastle United at the Emirates. He fired wide of the mark from about four yards out - a goal any player at that level would be expected to score no matter what.

Aubameyang has also been excluded from the list of players earmarked to travel to Dubai, where Arsenal have organized a mid-season camp to regroup and rebuild.

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#1 Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe is currently representing Ivory Coast at AFCON and has shown glimpses of brilliance.

Nicolas Pepe arrived at Arsenal in 2019 from Lille as the club's record signing, valued at £72 million. Saying that he has failed to match up to the expectations since his move would be an understatement.

Pepe was Arsenal's top goal contributor last season, with 16 goals and five assists in 47 appearances across competitions. He was a guaranteed starter and benched the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on a weekly basis. From contributing a goal in every other game to being a benchwarmer this season, the Ivorian has seen a slump like no other.

Nicolas Pepe has scored two goals this season and provided five assists across competitions. All of those have come in comfortable Carabao Cup wins against lower division sides, with just one assist in nine Premier League games being his only other contribution. His ability to perform in big games has dipped drastically and is something Arsenal will look to soon rectify.

Things are looking good for Pepe at international level, though. He has scored two goals and set up another as Ivory Coast march on in AFCON. His side will take on Egypt in the round of 16 tonight.