Arsenal had a forgettable season in 2017. Sure, they lifted the FA Cup that certainly lifted spirits around the Emirates, but overall there wasn’t much to cheer. The north London outfit finished outside the Champions League qualification places for the first time in 15 years and if that wasn’t a dampener, Arsene Wenger even signed a 2 year contract to stay at the club. Arsenal fans around the world have been vocal about the lack of intent on the part of Wenger and the need for change around the Emirates Stadium. As things stand, however, the Frenchman is very much the boss.
All can’t be blamed on Arsene of course, as the team this past season has lacked the drive needed to keep up with the big boys in the league. Early victories were not capitalized on and silly mistakes at the highest level were never going to be forgiven. Big names such as Ozil and Giroud were far from their best, and even though Sanchez did all he could, Arsenal suffered heavily through the course of the season. FIFA will be keeping a keen eye on the same, so expect these 5 Arsenal players to see a dip in their ratings:
Laurent Koscielny- 82
The Arsenal center half has for long been seen as the leader the club needed. However, frequent injuries and mistakes this past season has seen a significant dip in the form of the Frenchman. His headed goals every now and then used to be a big bonus for Arsenal in previous seasons but with more pressure on him to provide, he isn’t the player he was before. It is likely that it was just a bad season for Koscielny and he will most probably get his mojo back, but with the impending release of FIFA 18, Arsenal fans would be the first to admit that a dip in ratings was well deserved.
Shkodran Mustafi-81
Mustafi joined Arsenal last summer as the big signing everyone waited for. It almost seemed as if he was going to be the glue that held the Arsenal back line together. He started well too, excelling in his first five games including a well rounded performance against Chelsea. But as was the case with Arsenal, Mustafi’s form dipped and defensive mistakes and frailties became a regular. While many can argue that first season jitters exist, the Arsenal faithful will be hoping for a much better response from the German International from whom much was expected.
Mesut Ozil- 85
When Ozil made the switch from Madrid to London, it came as a shock to many and significantly raised hopes around North London of a new Arsenal ready to win it all. Ozil showed his class for almost three straight seasons but it now looks as if the German has run out of ideas. At one time the best playmaker in the world, the assists have dried up from Ozil and the goals are far from enough. While this could be a collapse of the entire team, his performances have been pivotal to Arsenal’s previous seasons and his failure to produce quality has hurt them immensely. Amid concerns of a departure and the future in doubt, Arsenal will hope Wenger can bring the best out of the midfielder if he decides to stay.
Theo Walcott- 80
The English speedster as he was once called, has slowly faded into obscurity with regular injuries and poor displays in front of crowds just itching to see some of that initial potential being fulfilled. Theo’s impressive pace took the league by storm but it’s been almost ten years since we’ve waited for that early excitement to become a regular feature. Sadly, it refused to come this season as well. Arsene Wenger often kept his faith in Walcott even playing him up front for his pace, but the performances still don’t meet the quality required to push Arsenal up the table. His injury problems continue to add to the woes and if FIFA are keeping a track, expect him to barely touch the 80 mark this time.
Olivier Giroud- 80
Scorpion kicks, overhead kicks, volleys, Giroud has them all. For some reason, the manager just doesn’t want to play him. This was the feature this time around as Wenger kept Giroud on the bench for the most part and when he did start, the French striker flattered to deceive. No doubt there is talent, but it doesn’t translate to the pitch more often than not leaving fans dejected and frustrated. His attitude hasn’t helped him either and with more games on the bench seemingly line up for next season, the Frenchman could look for a way out of the Emirates this summer. Expect his rating to fall considerably.
