Arsenal are set to lock horns with West Ham United this weekend as both the sides will look to open their account following defeats in their opening two games.
Arsenal had tough games against Manchester City and Chelsea but the run in will get better. West Ham, on the other hand, were beaten by Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Unai Emery’s side did improve against Chelsea but just didn’t take their chances in the first half. The scoreline at the end of the first half could have easily been in Arsenal’s favour had the likes of Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan been more composed in front of goal.
With a new managerial change, the Gunners are looking to adopt the philosophy of Emery. Should they make some changes to their team and style of play? Yes. Let’s have a look on some of the key points.
#3 Lucas Torreira Should Start
Granit Xhaka has been a regular starter for Arsenal in his two-year stay with the team but hasn’t been consistent enough. While his passing can be good at times, we just haven’t seen him do enough off the ball. That, coupled with his lack of defensive discipline, means his place in the starting XI isn’t a guarantee.
Unai Emery should have recognised that in the first two matches. Xhaka started both the games but didn’t complete the matches.
Torreira will offer the much-needed resilience in midfield. The Uruguayan international has some qualities similar to N’Golo Kante; he can sit back to protect his centre-backs and at the same time has the energy and tenacity to venture forward.
Torreira can form a good partnership with Mattéo Guendouzi at the base of the midfield.
#2 Drop Ozil
The main dilemma for Unai Emery is whether to drop Mesut Ozil from the first team or not. On his day, Ozil has the potential to change the course of the match with his passing and creativity in the final third.
The problem with Ozil is that teams know what he is capable of and tend to press when he gets the ball.
Emery played Ozil as a winger during the Premier League opener against Manchester City and the German failed to impress. In the second game, he played in his favourite number 10 position but Chelsea’s pressing didn’t let him show what he can do.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a much more capable player down the middle and thrived there at Dortmund. Considering he is much more dynamic that Ozil, perhaps Emery should consider giving him a chance there and drop the former German international.
#1 Lacazette As The Number Nine
Aubameyang was lively in both the matches but he was lacking the striker’s instinct against Chelsea. He missed a glorious chance from 7-yards to level the scoreline in the first half.
The following minute, Morata doubled Chelsea’s lead after beating Mustafi in the physical battle. Lacazette has proven that he is a typical number 9 who likes to stay central and run in behind the back line.
Aubameyang can switch to the left-hand side to support him as we’ve already discussed Mkhitaryan can be deployed in the number 10 role.