The prospect of being witness to the Arsenal front line for the 2019/20 season was one of pure excitement. The record signature of Nicolas Pepe not only surprised the Gunners faithful but disproved many opposition fan opinions as to the validity of Arsenal’s summer intentions.
Yet, four games into the season and one point claimed from their two fixtures against members of the Premier League’s ‘top six club’ has left questions abundant.
With Pepe yet to break his duck and concerns as to whether shifting last season’s golden boot winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a wider role to accommodate the Ivorian beginning to surface, a timely international break for Unai Emery to consider his options might be a welcome reprieve.
Now to argue that Arsenal are looking to scrap their prospective attacking line-up after mere minutes of gel time would be a step too far. However, it is important to consider that Arsenal no longer have a man at the helm with a straight-forward ideology as to who and what should represent the red and white for 90 minutes. The Spaniard Emery is a man open to change, to tinkering. Therefore, difficulty to see Pepe, Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette fitting together like a well-oiled machine even at this early stage, should set off some alarm bells.
The evidence to convince Arsenal’s head coach to suppress his inner temptations to tinker has luckily not been tricky to spot. Aubameyang’s second goal of the season was a beauty and showcased the Gabonese international’s talent to cut inside from the left successfully. A position on the field Aubameyang has notably struggled with, during his time fielded on the left flank last season his xG was nearly half that of when deployed centrally – falling from 0.74 to 0.38 (according to Wyscout). Therefore the more he can muster from his left wing responsibilities, the more likely it is Emery will see it as a viable strategy.
In terms of the Frenchman Lacazette, whilst injury has meant an infrequent showing, both of Lacazette’s starts have been met with goals. The 28-year-old has said many a time he loves linking up with his Gabonese colleague as strike partners. However, this sole central role has invigorated Lacazette to take more ownership on the field, dropping deeper to collect the ball and drive the Arsenal forward. His North London derby performance was rivalled only by his young compatriot Guendouzi and had his game not been prematurely ended by yet further fitness concerns, a winner from the Frenchman would have been a decent bet.
Whilst the signs of Pepe’s shooting boots being fully laced are a work in progress, it seems now more a matter of time until things click.
Unai Emery has the potential to create arguably the league’s most likely competition to Liverpool’s own front three, only time will tell whether he allows the trio the minutes to mesh.
Comments.
Loading comments…