The Premier League’s suspension gives us time to reflect on the season so far for Arsenal
I believe that some players have done well this season and others have struggled, here are my selections.
Players that have done well:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Our captain has led well from the front. He has scored the goals that have kept us out of relegation trouble and all I can say is: “more of the same, please”.
Bukayo Saka
Saka has been the breakout star of this season and I expect him to go on and have a distinguished career in England.
With ten assists already this season, I think he deserves every bit of the respect he has been getting.
David Luiz
Luiz has recovered from a poor start to lead at the back for the team. He has helped the transformation of Shkodran Mustafi and the introduction of Pablo Mari, among other things. I just want him to keep doing what he is doing.
Bernd Leno
While Aubameyang has been scoring the goals up front, the heroics of Bernd Leno has been very important for us at the back.
The German has one of the highest save rates in the Premier League and I think he is one of our most important players.
Granit Xhaka
Xhaka has responded well from being stripped of the captaincy to keep doing his best for the team, the Swiss midfielder has been one of the most improved players under Arteta and I think with a full preseason behind him before the next campaign, he will do even better.
Players that need to do better
Mesut Ozil
Ozil has been a problem at Arsenal for the past few seasons and the German doesn’t look like he will get better again.
I expect Arsenal to try and sell him when this season ends, but the German has to do better before this season concludes.
Alexandre Lacazette
Lacazette has been relegated to the bench for the last few league games for the Gunners.
The Frenchman has to do better when the season resumes else he would have to be sold in the summer.
Sokratis
Sokratis has one more season left at the Emirates, I would be surprised if the club offers him a new deal.
The Greek defender has been good enough but with the arrival of Pablo Mari and William Saliba, he should become surplus to requirements.
An article from Ime
Granit’s best is not Arsenal’s quality or standard. Sad but true he needs to move. If Arsenal have to challenge for for major honors than Bellerin, Socrates, Mustafi, Luiz, Kolasinac, Granit, Lucas, Ozil, Pepe and Lacazete do not make it. Leave sentiments behind, all the above players are responsible for our downfall, responsible for our loss at Baku, Olympiacos in the EL and to Pool in the League Cup? Peppe is not showing the right body language and courage at his age, even Iwobi (although not our standard again) was better on taking his opponent. And do we trust these players to lead us to contenders next year? (Leave aside their wages and compensation, let us focus on their mentality and skills) . Sadly it may be Auba who will move (if Barca come calling), Mkhitaryan might move, Elneny might return and the rest will remain till their contracts run down. Adding a new CB or DM might take us to top 6 maximum, will not make us challengers. Entire squad boot out required, similar to what City did when acquired, can our owner invest? And even if he did, do we have the right scouts to track and recommend, I doubt. Will the coach select players based on training ground shows or based on match day performances?