There is no questioning that Unai Emery has had a monumental start as Arsenal head coach. Creating and stamping down your own ethos and style was always going to be some feat considering Arsenal had been coached by Arsène Wenger for over two decades. Yet, in only a few months, the club has transformed. There is a breeze of fresh air, optimism, and The Arsenal are simply playing some beautiful football. Emery has been stubborn to persist with his footballing-style (most notably the way he wants his team to pass out from the back), and is now reaping the rewards, with the team scoring some sublime goals so early into the season. As winter approaches, the games are coming quick and fast; and it brings us to discuss, what actually is Emery's strongest starting eleven?
Goalkeeper:
One of the biggest issues Unai Emery faced was who to start in goal. Emery's ethos consisted of playing possession-based football, instigating from the back. The role of a goalkeeper in an Emery team has to be part of this, the one who initiates and dictates the first passes, even dropping it into the forwards to combat the oppositions initial press. The veteran Petr Čech started off the season as 'keeper, but since his hamstring injury has struggled to get into the starting lineup past Bernd Leno. There had been numerous points of calamity for the Czech international, who looked uneasy with passing the ball around when the opposition pressed. Leno waited for his opportunity, stepped in and doesn't look to be losing his position anytime soon. Leno is what we call a more 'modern goalkeeper'; he plays an almost sweeper role, who is ready to thwart danger if a counter attack arises. His most useful asset, however, is the way he is comfortable on the ball. He seems to be a perfect fit for Emery's demands, so unless for injury, I can't see this switching anytime soon.
Decision: Bernd Leno.
Full Backs:
Full Backs are an incredibly important part of an Unai Emery team. Given the license to roam, their job is to get down either flank and contribute to the attacking play. Héctor Bellerín seems to be loving this role, and it appears that he is back to his best. The Spaniard has listed 4 assists thus far this season, and considering the frequency of chances Arsenal are creating each game, this stat is likely to increase exponentially. New signing Stephan Lichtsteiner has settled into the Arsenal family well, an experienced winner that is essential for any successful side. The former Swiss captain is happy to fill in when needed, and understands Bellerín is the usual starter in the right back position.
On the other side, however, there seems to be a little more competition. Both Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolašinac are sturdy yet nuanced attacking full backs. At the end of last season, Monreal became as effective going forward as defending, ending the 2017/18 season with a total of 5 goals. Despite this, injuries seem to have hampered his season so far, and it seems that Emery's first choice left back is Kolašinac. The Bosnian sustained an eight week knee injury lay off at the start of the season, but is now fully fit and it will be interesting to see if he can nail his first team place.
Decision: Hector Bellerín and Sead Kolašinac.
Centre Backs:
There has been much discussion for the need for Arsenal to bring in additional central defenders. Along the years it has been seen as Arsenal's weak link and point of fragility. I don't think anyone expected Sokratis to have been as fit, strong and commanding at the back in such a short time. He is a natural leader, and when fit, is a must to start. The start of Emery's reign has also enlightened us with the emergence of Rob Holding. Many thought a new manager meant that he would be loaned out, however, the ex-Bolton youngster waited for his chance and now can't seem to put a foot wrong. When he has started, Arsenal have remained unbeaten and as he is someone who is easily comfortable with the ball, he suits Emery's defensive mould beautifully. A mention must be made of Shkodran Mustafi, too, but I feel even if he has generally improved, he still has that little naivety in him that costs the team dearly (needlessly giving the penalty away against Crystal Palace, for example). Now Sokratis is back to full fitness, it will be interesting to see if this Sokratis-Holding partnership can finally instigate and hopefully augment into something formidable.
Decision: Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Rob Holding.
Centre Midfield:
Arguably the first name on the team sheet is Lucas Torreira, the "five foot high" Uruguayan who's making an enormous impact. Arsenal have been crying out for a defensively-minded midfielder for many a year, and now finally seem to have got their man. Torreira focuses on the gritty side of the game, stopping the opposition by any means (literally making slide tackles with his head!). He is a dynamic midfielder that covers every blade of grass to ensure Arsenal don't concede. Arsenal haven't lost a game when Torreira has started and this certainly isn't a coincidence. It would be ignorant to suggest that all Torreira offers is defending, though. With an average pass completion rate of 89.4%, he has become a reliable midfielder and base of attack. One of the most successful aspects of Arsenal's season has been the development of the Torriera-Xhaka midfield pivot. Granit Xhaka looks re-energised, Torreira is almost doing his 'dog-work', meaning Xhaka has more time to express himself and distribute his penetrative passes. Xhaka is always a goal threat from long-range too, and by scoring two free-kicks already this season, he is a useful offensive asset. The young Matteo Guendouzi has also started tremendously, however I feel at this moment in time the Torreira-Xhaka base is strongest. Arsenal have found a gem in Lucas Torreira, especially considering he's only 23, and while comparisons to the legend Patrick Vieria are premature, its hard not to get excited! "Torreira woahhh...."
Decision: Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka.
Wingers:
Arsenal's wide forwards seem to be enjoying a great deal from Emery's tactics. Due to the attacking nature of the full backs, there is often pockets of space more centrally for the wide forwards to converge into. Although it isn't his preferred position, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seems to be relishing the opportunities when peeling from the left flank. Aubameyang always ensures you goals, and is the current joint Premier League top goalscorer with 7. With 5 league goals in October, he has just claimed the Premier League Player of the Month award too. Put simply, Aubameyang is a goal machine and a definite starter.
The right side of attack has both Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan vying for starting places. Mkhitaryan's form has dipped as the season has progressed however, only recording a single goal and assist in the league so far. On the contrary, Alex Iwobi is revived and a huge amount of credit must be given to Emery for instilling the arrogance back into the Nigerian's game. The winger is electric, hugely direct and is making the difference in the final third, something he struggled with at the end of Wenger's reign. In 5 league starts, Iwobi has presented a goal and 2 assists, and I can only see this increasing heavily as he continues to start games. I feel Iwobi has the edge due to current form, while he's slowly becoming a fan favourite.
Decision: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Iwobi.
Attacking Midfielder: Number '10' Role:
At the beginning of the season, Unai Emery was singing the praises of Aaron Ramsey and how important he was in his plans. This meant that the Welshman was given the 'free role', while Mesut Özil was played predominantly on the right flank. However, after a combination of poor form from Ramsey, mixed with a contract disagreement and fine form of Özil, it is the German who has taken the coveted role in his stride. Özil is a man in form (his performance against Leicester was particularly noteworthy) and the captains armband seems to have given him an extra boost. Most importantly, he's getting amongst the goals again (3 goals in 9 Premier League appearances) and assists are inevitable for the play-maker. He looks like a player with more hunger and determination than he has for a while, and I doubt he'll be losing his starting place anytime soon. I just hope he can continue this form into the dreaded winter months where he has sometimes been susceptible to shying away.
Decision: Mesut Özil.
Striker:
With Unai Emery's preferred 4-2-3-1 system, there is only enough room for one striker. Many questioned whether the Spaniard would change formation to two up front, so both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be accommodated. However, Emery persisted with his strategy (a common theme here), and Lacazette is in delightful form. Although Lacazette had a relatively successful 'fitting in' season last term, the Frenchman has gone that extra level this season and in my opinion is on the verge of world class status. He is an imposing, arrogant striker who offers so much more than the 5 Premier League goals he's listed. His link-up play has been exceptional, he holds the ball up efficiently and you can see Özil is thriving off playing just behind him. One of the easiest decisions to make, and almost a farce how he still can't manage to get a call up to the French national team.
A quick mention of Danny Welbeck must be made, who has been an invaluable player around the squad and been in pretty good form when called upon, who looks to have suffered a very serious injury. Get well soon, Danny!
Decision: Alexandre Lacazette.
Overall, Unai Emery must be very happy with his start as Arsenal manager has gone. It is clear to see that Emery's ethos is transferring to the pitch, and after every week his team is slowly coming together. The next challenge: winter. It will be very interesting to see how Arsenal-who are notoriously known to struggle during the colder months- fare under their new manager. For now though, lets enjoy the good times!
Finished Starting XI (Formation 4-2-3-1): Leno, Bellerín , Sokratis, Holding, Kolašinac, Torreira, Xhaka, Iwobi, Özil, Aubameyang, Lacazette.
Darius Moghtadaii
@_Darius_RM
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