Arsenal fans here in the Tavern are down in the dumps, as they drink away the sorrows of an Etihad defeat. 

Arsenal have always been a Champions League regular, but in recent times this has rapidly deteriorated as they now enjoy the high life of Thursday night football. At least one positive to take is that they won’t be drawn against Bayern Munich this time round, hey Arsenal fans?

So far in the duration of the Premier League season, they look smack on to replicate the feat, as they look to be the outsider in the race for the top 4. Having played 11 games, they’ve managed only to secure 6th place as they fall 12 points behind leaders Manchester City.

Criticism has been the focal point of this Arsenal side’s season, managing to attract the opinions of many. Many people support the #WengerOUT claims that have begun to surface once again, as fans take to ArsenalTV to share the despair and heartbreak that their team creates. However, one thing they can take from this is the extension of attention for their fan base if this is any consolation, as fellow rivals enjoy feeding off the Gunners frustration.

In a squad that many felt could challenge for trophies, with the acquisition of Alexandre Lacazette. A mixture of Arsene Wenger’s decision making and a lack of motivation in the squad has led to this Arsenal team under performing once again.

So here’s a look at Arsenal players who have been performing under expectation so far this season…

Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean forward has been the best player in an Arsenal shirt in previous seasons, but this year he finds himself at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Having spent a period of the season out through injury, he’s yet to come to grips with the speed of the game, as he continues to underperform. For a player that many thought would be the vital part to Arsenal’s Champions League revival, it’s been a shock to the system as he looks a different player.

As one of the most exciting forwards in the Premier League, he has the ability to turn the switch at any point.

So as the international break begins to enter full flow, he will need to buck his ideas up to get to the stage of being the Alexis that fans have grown to love.

Hector Bellerin

Hector Bellerin came into the lives of Arsenal fans in a very unique manner as no one had heard of the name.

Since gaining a starting berth in the side, he’s become their right-back regular, as his speed and acceleration edge close to the standards of a certain Usain Bolt. After an impressive season with the Gunners last time out, the Spanish pocket rocket has begun rather sluggishly.

Him and his Arsenal defensive teammates have transformed into the formation of a drowning ship, while their European aspirations sink with it.

Bellerin himself has struggled with his decision making, being utilized now as a wing-back,  he’s often opted to choose attack over defence as he leaves the right side open.

If Bellerin and the Gunners are going to want shift the defensive wreck, then they’re going to have to work repeatedly on their defensive positioning and cohesion, to mend the mess.

Danny Welbeck

The England forward has always been a striker who hasn’t really lived up to his potential, after being tipped to be the next big thing, his career is yet to take off.

Having been given the chance to play as the Gunners sole striker at the beginning of the season, the chance was passed up as he struggles to score, only managing 3 goals in 9 starts for the club.

With stiff competition being imposed by the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Olivier Giroud, Danny is going to need to get his shooting boots on as he takes to Colney to brush off any cobwebs.

In what is a side overloaded with attacking talent, being at your best is pivotal if you’re going to budge any of the international superstars.

So Arsenal fans, thoughts?