It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Arsenal this season and a campaign that promised so much is set to end in disappointment, with it extremely unlikely the Gunners will be able to claw back an 11 point deficit on leaders Leicester City with eight fixtures remaining.
As Arsenal also exited the FA Cup and Champions League last week, it means the Gunners will go the season empty-handed despite it looking to be their best chance in a decade for Premier League success and Arsenal being the favourites to win a third-successive FA Cup.
Whilst fans and the media will point to manager Arsene Wenger, it’s fair to say that certain members of the squad have not done him any favours and their failure to perform consistently has proved decisive in the way the season has panned out.
It’s easy to pinpoint the likes of Mathieu Flamini, who shouldn’t be a regular starter for the Gunners, as the ones that have been the most disappointing but instead we should look towards those who have experienced plenty of game time, and are highly-rated but failed to perform.
Hit below to see FIVE Arsenal players who haven’t cut it this season!
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
After numerous injury problems in recent years, this season was touted as the one where Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could finally breakthrough into a regular starter. However, despite getting off to a flying start with the winning goal in the Community Shield and the right-side of midfield being there for the taking, the England international failed to perform.
It’s ended up with Oxlade-Chamberlain being heavily linked with an exit despite the promising player still be 22. The difficulty for Arsenal is the fact they have better performers on the right-side, which includes Joel Campbell and Alex Iwobi, and there’s no chance in the player pushing into the central positions in midfield.
The back-end of the campaign is crunch-time for Oxlade-Chamberlain to prove his worth but given his displays this season, it’s difficult to see him finally finding his feet.
Gabriel Paulista
Much like Oxlade-Chamberlain, many expected Gabriel Paulista to force his way into Arsenal’s starting line-up this season and create a quality partnership with Laurent Koscielny. In the end though, he’s looking to be far weaker than Per Mertesacker- the ageing defender he competes with.
Gabriel’s lack of English is apparent and costly, whilst his hot-headed attitude also leads him into a spot of bother. His positioning and decision making this season have been poor, especially in recent games, and he’s becoming a liability.
For now, Gabriel faces a major test to find his form and grasp the English language but it doesn’t look promising with speculation linking Arsenal to a host of defensive recruits.
Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott celebrated 10 years with Arsenal this season and it let to a lot of negative comments from fans and the media. Despite spending a decade with the Gunners, the 26-year-old has failed to find his place in the squad during that period.
Walcott started the season ahead of Olivier Giroud in the striking positions but an untimely injury, accompanied by Giroud’s return to form, left the England international absent. Upon his return, not only has he failed to reclaim his striking spot, he’s also failed to impress on the wings.
With Danny Welbeck now to compete against for the striking role, and Arsenal eyeing new recruits in this area, it’s difficult to see where Walcott fits in. On the flanks, Arsenal also have a wealth of talent so many feel it’s time for a change.
Aaron Ramsey
Arsenal’s shining light two seasons ago, Aaron Ramsey was given the golden opportunity of cementing his place as first-choice central midfielder during Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin’s absence through injury. Instead though, the Welshman’s involvement highlighted just how important Cazorla is.
Ramsey has failed to control the media, hasn’t got involved enough in attack and has left Arsenal vulnerable in defence. With Mohamed Elneny’s emergence since his signing in January, Ramsey faces further competition for a spot- and Jack Wilshere is still to return.
Whilst he’s previously found his place on the right-wing, Arsenal now have better options available in this position so it’s not looking good.
Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal’s golden boy has ended up looking like brass in the second-half of the season, with Alexis Sanchez struggling to rekindle his form since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off. Whilst Copa America involvement last summer has also taken it’s toll, it’s not unfair to say Alexis has been disappointing.
His recent performances have just been flashes of brilliance and his overall displays have been underwhelming. Full of passion, belief and desire- he’s just not been putting those attributes into effect in the right areas.
