Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal made a disappointing start to the season at the Emirates but they managed to get back on track and are yet to be beaten in the next 6 leagues games, 5 of them ending as victories. The manager spent a decent amount of money adding to his squad but has had to use Alexis Sanchez as a false-9 to lead the side, a position in which the Chilean has thrived so far this season. The players around him have also found top gear early this campaign and have managed to put on a 5 match winning streak leading into the break. But the manager will know that he will need all his players to be at their best to launch a genuine title charge this term. Here are three such players who need to step up their game after the international break to keep Arsenal at the top:
Here are three such players who need to step their game up after the international break to keep Arsenal at the top:
Lucas Perez:
The former La Liga striker seemed to have settled in well at the Emirates but the manager has not been able to trust him with the responsibility to lead the attack of the side. Sanchez has been superb in a make-shift position but Perez will have to give Wenger a chance to start a proper striker this season. He will need to prove himself to the manager and work hard to send Sanchez back on to the left to cement a place in the starting XI. Though it is his first season, Wenger has spent on the 28-year old to allow himself a lot of options and Perez should quickly turn into one to reduce the pressure on the first teamers.
Hector Bellerin:
The Spaniard has been linked with a move away from the club with the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City reportedly scouting for him but Bellerin has not been able to produce the kind of performances that warrant a place in such top sides. He has been decent helping his side at either end of the field but has just not provided the extra push that he used to last season. He is still one of the most consistent players in the league in his position but Wenger will hope that his first choice right-back is at his best after the international break.
Olivier Giroud:
The French international has not been able to start games for Arsenal yet this season with Wenger revealing that he is not match fit. But in the chances he got, Giroud showed that he can improve the attack of the side and it might be the time for him to step up and take the mantle of leading the attack. Wenger will have to trust Giroud to provide him with the kind of an attacking outlet that his team needs and Giroud should make sure that he is fit, and in sync with the rest of his teammates. A fit, in-form Giroud can take Arsenal closer to the title.