'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Gunners have failed to keep a clean sheet letting in 9 goals from 5 games in the process. Level on points with arch-rivals Tottenham, the Gunners have to find a way to iron out the issues quickly to have a chance to be in the Champions League places. Arsenal’s disappointing start to the season, where they lost the opening two games against Manchester City and Chelsea, has quickly transcended into a promising one with three wins in a row. Unai Emery’s men have started firing on all cylinders although defensive issues still remain a concern.
While the defense still has room to improve, the attack also appears to lack chemistry with the North London outfit. Gunners are unable to still unable to replicate their usually attractive game. Arsenal still appears slow and lethargic in possession and vulnerable on the counterattack. The cameos of summer signing Lucas Torreira have helped in addressing these issues to a certain extent.
While the main men have slowly begun to influence the games, some are yet to come to form. With 5 games done and dusted, here are the three players who need to improve their game as soon as possible.
#3 Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil is a truly phenomenal talent. He has a vision that is among the best and for long, he has been hailed as the best No.10 in the world. With more potent attacking midfielders, who are capable of scoring and assisting, emerging in the Premier League, Ozil’s undisputed dominance as the best playmaker in the world has diminished a little while ago.
When the playmaker was given a new and lucrative contract by Arsene Wenger, the then manager, he was expected to be the main man, who will lead the club to a new and glorious era.
Further appointed as one of the five vice-captains for the new season, Ozil hasn’t put in the performances that justify the faith showed in him by the board. Barring a goal against Newcastle United, the German has been largely anonymous in the first five games. Unable to influence the games from the right and losing his No.10 role to Aaron Ramsey, Ozil has recorded a pass completion percentage of 81.7%, from five games, which is way below his usual standards.
While his new boss Emery has asked him to improve his game in and around the penalty area, ‘The King of the Assist’ has yet to give an assist and he should start producing more on the pitch to fend off the competition from Henrikh Mkhitaryan for the right wing spot and be the main man.
#2 Shkodran Mustafi
With the regular skipper Laurent Koscielny still recovering from a serious injury he sustained last season, Shkodran Mustafi was expected to lead the defense alongside Sokratis Papastathopoulos, a summer signing from Borussia Dortmund.
However, the German international has endured a mixed start to the season so far. While his partner is slowly endearing himself to the fans with valiant and no-nonsense displays, Mustafi is making them nervous with his sluggish defending.
The German was exceptional against Cardiff City while in the other games, he wasn’t as effective. Perhaps his performances can be summed up with one moment in the game against Newcastle where his slip let Jacob Murphy through on goal only to be cleared out by Sokratis.
The German needs to step up or he may face the prospect of losing his starting spot to the returning Koscielny or the young Rob Holding.
#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
When Aubameyang was signed by Arsenal in the winter transfer window last season, he was one of the most feared and prolific marksmen in the world. The Gabonese sharpshooter always delivers goals. With 10 goals in 13 games for the Gunners, his career at the Emirates has started off on a fantastic note.
No wonder many expected him to compete with the likes of Salah and Kane for the golden boot this term. However, the 29-year-old has struggled so far with just one goal in five outings.
The striker hasn't been at his clinical best. Also losing ball to the opposition at an alarming frequency, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was shunted out to the wing to accommodate Alexandre Lacazette in the starting XI. He looks lost on the wing even though he scored a magnificent goal against Cardiff City.
When the former Borussia Dortmund striker starts scoring, he can win games on his own and for that reason, he needs to find his best form as quickly as possible.
