Arsenal's Current Squad: A Breakdown of Strengths and Weaknesses
Arsenal's current squad is arguably the strongest it has been in years. With players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka, and Kieran Tierney leading the way, it's no surprise that the Gunners are making waves in the Premier League. In this blog post, we'll break down Arsenal's current squad and analyze its strengths and weaknesses.
The Forwards
Arsenal has an impressive array of attacking talent at their disposal, spearheaded by club captain and talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. His speed and eye for goal have made him a fan favorite, and his 18 goals this season make him the club's top scorer. He is ably supported by the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe, and Eddie Nketiah, all of whom are capable of finding the back of the net. Youngster Bukayo Saka has also made an impact this season, scoring 5 goals from his wide position. While there is no shortage of attacking talent in Arsenal’s squad, there is still room for improvement as they seek to become a more potent attacking force in the Premier League.
The Midfielders
The midfielders of Arsenal’s current squad are a key component to their success and stability. With players like Granit Xhaka, Dani Ceballos, and Joe Willock, the team has an abundance of options for constructing a strong core. Xhaka in particular is a talented defensive midfielder with a knack for making key passes and reading the game with precision. Ceballos is a dynamic player who can make things happen in the middle of the park with his combination of passing and dribbling skills. Finally, Willock is an energetic young player who is capable of both defending and attacking, giving Arsenal a great all-around presence in the midfield. With the depth of talent that this group possesses, they can create chances while limiting opponents’ time on the ball.
The Defenders
Arsenal has some of the best defenders in the Premier League. They have several players who have proven themselves at the highest level, such as Rob Holding, David Luiz, and Kieran Tierney. Holding is a reliable, hard-working center-back who can contribute to Arsenal's defensive organization and passing game. He is also versatile enough to slot in at left-back when needed.
David Luiz has been a key player for Arsenal since joining from Chelsea in 2019. His experience and leadership are invaluable assets, while his ability to read the game and intercept passes make him one of the top defenders in the league.
Kieran Tierney is an exciting young left-back who has made a big impact since arriving from Celtic. His speed and athleticism make him a valuable asset both defensively and going forward, while his delivery from set pieces is excellent.
The Gunners also have talented fullbacks in Hector Bellerin, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Cedric Soares. Bellerin is a speedy right-back who is capable of contributing to the attack as well as defending his flank. Maitland-Niles is a versatile defender who can play either side, while Soares provides cover on either flank.
Overall, Arsenal has a solid defense that can be relied upon to keep teams out and provide balance for their attack-minded players. With experienced veterans like Luiz and talented youngsters like Tierney, they will look to build on their strong defensive performances this season.
The Goalkeepers
Arsenal’s goalkeeping corps consists of Bernd Leno, Emiliano Martinez, and Matt Macey.
Bernd Leno has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper for the past three seasons and has put in some very solid performances over that period. He has shown his ability to make key saves in big moments, while also demonstrating a strong command of his box. Leno has also made improvements when it comes to distribution and playing out from the back.
Emiliano Martinez has been loaned out twice over the past two years but has returned to Arsenal in 2020 as the club’s backup keeper. Martinez has shown himself to be a capable understudy to Leno, making several impressive saves in his appearances for the club.
Finally, there is Matt Macey, who is currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle. Macey has made a handful of appearances for Arsenal since joining in 2017 but is yet to establish himself as a regular in the team. He is seen as a player with potential and will be hoping to make an impact when he returns from his loan spell.
Overall, Arsenal’s goalkeeping options are solid, with both Leno and Martinez offering the team quality between the sticks. With Macey looking to break into the team soon, the Gunners have three good options to choose from in goal. Moving onto the defense, Arsenal boasts an experienced core of players such as Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, and Kieran Tierney. These players bring a wealth of experience to the table, having played in top leagues across Europe. However, they are not without their flaws. Mustafi has been criticized for his lack of focus at times and Luiz can be caught out due to his occasionally reckless style of play. Despite this, these players are still able to produce consistently solid displays week in and week out.
In addition to these experienced defenders, Arsenal has also brought in younger talent such as Calum Chambers and William Saliba. Chambers has had spells away on loan but has now established himself as a reliable option within Mikel Arteta's system. Meanwhile, Saliba has returned from Saint-Etienne this season and looks set to become one of Arsenal’s most important players for years to come.