Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge has all but been ended in 2017, thanks to some exceptional form by Chelsea, as well as a lacking mentality and strength within our side to keep pace.
Analysing where we have been so disappointing, the only position where any qualms could be made, is within our central midfield.
Granit Xhaka has proved to be a liability for much of the campaign, and despite showing glimpses of real class, he has burdened us with reckless challenges, which have given away key set pieces as well as unnecessary cards.
Francis Coquelin is another player who has struggled or much of the season, although brang balance to our side when being able to play alongside Santi Cazorla, who has been a huge miss for us this year.
The Spaniard picked up an injury back in October, which was originally only supposed to keep him out for a matter of weeks, and is now set to miss the rest of the campaign, and we have yet to find a partnership worthy of holding down a regular spot in our first-team.
Mohamed Elneny impressed following his arrival last January, but has found himself overlooked for much of the campaign, and I cant for the life of me figure out why he has struggled to pick up many match minutes.
Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have both found themselves playing most of their football in the central midfield this season, and have both brought something different to the side, but all-in-all, are not the type of central player we are to rely on if we are to properly challenge for the league title.
Jack Wilshere has proven his fitness on loan with Bournemouth this term, and may well find himself playing a key role in our starting XI next season.
Whether Arsene Wenger is in charge of us next season or not, whoever is in charge will need to have a hard look at his options in those central roles.
Has our midfield partnership been our biggest weakness all season?
Pat J