The biggest fears of the Premier League’s big 6
By Taylor Laabs
Arsenal: No good defenders
What a turnaround from Unai Emery’s squad. After two disappointing showings against Chelsea and Manchester City to start the season, the Gunners have quietly found their form, rattling off seven straight Premier League wins before Sunday’s draw versus Crystal Palace. It’s an impressive run from a squad that’s still in flux, and should have the Gunners aiming for their first top four finish since 201-16.
The Gunners were impressive in their seven-game unbeaten streak, buoyed by an attack that has a real sense of chemistry to it. The oft-criticized Mesut Ozil had his best showing of the season against Leicester recently, tallying a sumptuous goal and assist as Arsenal ran riot over Leicester’s defense. Ozil is aging, but he still holds the key to getting their attack into full gear. His role as a primary facilitator and playmaker is invaluable to the Arsenal midfield. The primary beneficiaries of Arsenal’s form have been the players that play at the tip of the spear: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. Both have slowly grown into form as the season has worn on, Lacazette in particular, as the Frenchman has four goals and two assists through nine games.
That said, the same problem that has plagued Arsenal for years has reared its ugly head from time to time this season, and that is their defense. Hector Bellerin has been valuable going forward, but provides little cover to center-backs Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis. Laurent Koscielny is still out injured, while there’s no clear-cut first-choice left-back in the squad. It’s hard to see Emery solving Arsenal’s defensive problems with players already in the squad, which means, but for some January spending, Arsenal fans will just have to hope their leaky defense doesn’t cost them a Champions League spot.