Premier League 2019-20: 5 players that Arsenal fans can turn to for hope in this tough period

Arsenal are going through a sticky period, both on and off the pitch. It all began when their former captain Granit Xhaka was substituted in the draw with Crystal Palace, at which point he proceeded to curse his own fans.

Then, even recently, updated captain Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang didn't do the fans any favours. He took to social media to defend his affiliation with Arsenal Fan TV, a controversial fan channel that has caused hostility around the club in recent seasons.

On top of all that, they find themselves in yet another managerial conundrum. Whether Unai Emery will stay or go is the question ringing around the Emirates Stadium right now. A lack of impressive performances lately have the Gunners stumped, and they need to improve drastically if they are to get out of this quagmire.

On that note, here are five players that the fans can put their hopes on to help Arsenal get through this tough time:

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#1 Matteo Guendouzi

Matteo Guendouzi has been the standout performer for Arsenal this season

Matteo Guendouzi is a worthy contender for Arsenal's player of the season so far. The young Frenchman has put in several impressive displays to help out his side early on this season, and he has even inspired his teammates in a greater effort.

Guendouzi burst onto the scene last season when Unai Emery was also beginning his Arsenal tenure. Somehow, he has had an even better start this season. Aged just 20, Guendouzi looks like he is the most mature player on the pitch.

You can often find the youngster dictating play and keeping his composure in midfield. While results haven't been going his way, he's sticking to his task - and it doesn't look like anything will stop that.

Guendouzi now has a much deserved break from the Arsenal mess as he is representing his country during the international break. Hopefully, a first senior appearance for France will come out of that and invigorate the midfielder to come back and continue bossing the midfield for Arsenal in the Premier League.

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#2 Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli has been the hero for Arsenal in cup competitions

One youngster that has gone below the radar this season is Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal's new signing has been one of their standout performers despite not starting in many matches.

In only five starts for Unai Emery's side across all competitions, the Brazilian has scored an astonishing seven goals and provided an assist. He has proven to the fanbase that there is hope, and that they are not just a two-man attack with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

If one of their star strikers were to suffer an injury, then they have a more than worthy backup.

Martinelli is much more than just a goalscorer though. His versatility allows him to act as the provider too, and he often stuns the crowd with his ability to get the better of his opponents.

Martinelli is only 18 years old and already scoring goals for fun, so Arsenal have plenty of reasons to be hopeful.

#3 Kieran Tierney

Kieran Tierney has played exceptionally well.

Kieran Tierney's start at Arsenal took longer than he would have liked. However, that was out of his control as he arrived nursing an injury. Since his return from injury, the Scotland international has done nothing but impress.

Tierney has come in and filled a position which needed to be filled since Nacho Monreal's departure. In the left-back department, Arsenal have always been "good" but never quite "amazing". Tierney is the latter.

He's effective at everything he does. He likes to bomb forward and provide creativity from wide to the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, he is also exceptional in the defensive third, which Sead Kolasinac is not.

The Scotsman will be hoping for more consistent playing time going forward, which is what he deserves. Until he does something to seriously make Emery believe otherwise, he should be the first-choice left back.

#4 Calum Chambers

Where would Arsenal be without Calum Chambers?

Calum Chambers has developed into the player Arsene Wenger would have expected him to be when he was signed. The young defender is mature and a pivotal member of the Arsenal backline.

The best thing about him, and the reason why many Arsenal fans dub him to be their player of the future, is his mentality. Chambers has been through a lot in his career which could have easily turned him the other way - injuries, being second best in the eyes of the manager and being sent out on loan. However, he hasn't let any of those things stop him.

Chambers just gets on with it, and that's one of the things I admire about him. He is a true professional who simply loves the art of defending. He is bound to have a bright future with Arsenal, and that's why the Gunners mustn't lose hope just yet.

#5 Bernd Leno

Arsenal FC v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Hear me out on this one. For a side that's conceded more goals than they've scored, it's hard to make a case for their goalkeeper being a good one. However, Bernd Leno is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League; he just doesn't get the recognition he deserves.

The truth is that Arsenal's shortcomings have mainly been sloppy passes in midfield and lack of urgency in the defence. Leno has not been responsible for the glut of goals conceded.

In fact, if anything, Arsenal are lucky to be in sixth position given their defence. Leno has only saved them points this season.

He is an athletic goalkeeper that has the ability to cover most angles. He looks confident nine times out of 10 in one-on-one situations, and if Arsenal could just work on tightening their backline, then Leno would only keep more clean sheets.

Where there is Leno, there is hope.