Which Arsenal players aren’t pulling their weight for the team?
Arsenal are continuing to disappoint on all fronts, with last night’s collapse from 3-0 up just the latest in a series of poor results.
Many Arsenal fans place the blame on Arsene Wenger by default, but there are plenty of players in the side who are letting the Gunners down too. Here are five Arsenal stars who must improve to help their side turn their season around.
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5) Mathieu Flamini
The Frenchman’s terrible form is not entirely his fault, as he is constantly exposed by the poor discipline of his team-mates. For the player who is supposed to be Arsenal’s defensive rock, Flamini is bypassed with ease by other teams, and his lack of mobility and positional sense are critical flaws for a defensive midfielder at the top level.
4) Aaron Ramsey
After a great start to the season, Ramsey’s good form has evaporated. Scoring so many goals last season seems to have given him some kind of mental block this year, and he constantly bombs forward to try and get on the scoresheet. With Arsenal 3-2 up and clinging on yesterday, he continued to overcommit when he should have slowed the play down, and eventually his side paid the price.
3) Mikel Arteta
As one of the senior members of the Arsenal side, Arteta continues to be automatic first choice, but a succession of injuries have prevented him from playing regularly and finding any form, and he lacks any defensive ability whatsoever.
2) Santi Cazorla
Cazorla didn’t look like he’d get much of a chance in the first team once Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck arrived, but injuries to Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott have allowed him plenty of time on the field. Like too many of his team-mates, the little Spaniard produces moments of magic in some games, but vanishes entirely in others.
1) Per Mertesacker
The German defender admitted himself that he was struggling for motivation after the World Cup, and it shows in his form. He has been culpable for several crucial goals this year, like Abel Hernandez’ header for Hull, and Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header last night. A 6’6 centre-back shouldn’t be struggling in the air like that.