4) Hector Bellerin’s fitness is a major cause for concern
Arsenal’s attacking potential is multiplied when both their full-backs are on song on either flank. Sadly, that has not been the case in recent games. Hector Bellerin did have a decent game tonight and was actively involved in a number of attacks but he was far from his best.
His performances in the past couple of months are a far cry from last season when he was the only Arsenal player to be named in the PFA Team of the Year thanks to his five goals and three assists. This season he has two goals and two assists – and he could have got a third if he had put away Alexis’ lob over the defence.
However, the main cause for concern is not his attacking impetus but his responsibilities in defence. Time and again he has been beaten for pace and the first half saw him taking a yellow card for the team when he cynically pulled down Michail Antonio before he threatened to initiate a counter-attack in Arsenal's half.
But a closer look at the squad suggests why Wenger has no choice but to play Bellerin. The Spaniard is clearly not 100% fit following his injuries this season. But with Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson nowhere near making the matchday squad, he has no choice but to place the burden on the shoulders of the 22-year-old Barcelona target.
