In a season that’s been extremely disappointing for Arsenal fans, it’s been difficult for supporters to see Arsene Wenger remain loyal to underperforming players.
At times, these decisions on team selection have been directly responsible for Arsenal’s downfall in certain games and the evidence was there once again on Saturday, with some odd choices leading to the Gunners throwing away a two-goal lead and drawing 3-3 with West Ham United.
That draw, accompanied by victories for Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur, has shattered any hopes of Arsenal overcoming their deficits and winning the Premier League title, leaving the Gunners empty-handed in a season that promised so much.
Whilst it might be too little too late, Arsene Wenger simply must sort out his team selection for the coming weeks and settle on a strongest eleven that can get the results Arsenal need.
After all, they haven’t assured themselves of Champions League football yet as Manchester United are just six points behind them.
Hit Wenger below to see FIVE players he must select for the remainder of the season!
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Mesut Ozil
It goes without saying that Mesut Ozil has been Arsenal’s best player this season and, had the team achieved their aspirations, he’d have been a sure-fire bet for Premier League Player of the Year.
With 18 assists in the Premier League this term, seven more than his closest competitor, Ozil has been Arsenal’s saving grace this season and he’s also contributed with some crucial goals, including on Saturday against West Ham United.
Just two assists shy of the record assists tally in a single season, Ozil has the chance to make history in a year that he has been formidable- which will at least give Arsenal some postives to take.
Petr Cech
It’s somewhat bizarre that we have to identify that Arsene Wenger has to choose Petr Cech in his team, as he’s a world-class goalkeeper, but Arsenal fans have had to endure seeing David Ospina ahead of him at times.
The most controversial scenario occurred at the beginning of the season, when Ospina started the first two Champions League games, which Arsenal lost, and fans were surprised to see Cech omitted from the squad at the weekend.
Ospina hasn’t really done anything wrong during Cech’s absence through injury but Wenger’s loyality lets him down, as you have to choose your best players at crucial stages of the campaign.
Alexis Sanchez
In a season that’s been a mixed bag for Alexis Sanchez, he is thankfully showing signs of being back to his best once again after he netted at the weekend. Whilst it may be too little too late, Alexis is a crucial player for Arsenal.
In his absences through injury, and when he was underperforming, it was clear Arsenal were lacking this vital asset and they must ensure he remains in the side as the Gunners fight to overhaul Tottenham and assure themselves of a Champions League finish.
Getting Alexis his confidence back is crucial, as Arsenal will certainly need him from here out.
Alex Iwobi
It’s perhaps unfair to Joel Campbell that he’s slipped way down the pecking order, despite some quality performances this season, but it’s understandable at least that Alex Iwobi is currently ahead of him.
The young Nigerian international has been sensational over the past month, which included him scoring in back-to-back Premier League games and putting in a fine performance at the Nou Camp, and should undoubtedly remain as a starter.
Whilst Arsenal may be wary of putting too much pressure on the teenager, Arsene Wenger is likely to use Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Theo Walcott if Iwobi is dropped- and both of them have been pretty awful this term.
Per Mertesacker
A player who, undeservedly, gets a lot of stick from Arsenal fans, there is evidence to suggest that he is the Gunners best defender. Whilst that remains up for debate, the fact is that he is superior to Gabriel Paulista.
Had Per Mertesacker started at the weekend, it’s extremely unlikely that Andy Carroll would have scored a hat-trick and, given the aerial threat that Carroll provides, it’s somewhat bizarre that Gabriel was included ahead of Mertesacker.
The partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker has been a bright spark in recent years, so Arsenal must reunite the pair as soon as possible.
