5 Arsenal Players Who Should Play To Their Potential Against Manchester City

The Gunners were controlled and defensive, but were still ripped open by the Italians and went down 2-0 at the San Paolo. Next up they travel to the Etihad to face a Manchester City side who are not only rampant at home, but will come into the match on the back of a win over Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich.

So here are five Arsenal players who have to increase their game as the big game with Manchester City looms around.

Mikel Arteta

A shameful showing from the former Everton man, couldn’t handle the pace of Armero, Maggio, Mertens and Callejon and got sent off for a rash challenge on Valon Behrami on the 63rd minute. The Spaniard seemingly can’t cope at the highest level, and looked out of place, unable to keep the momentum Aaron Ramsey has been building up in centre midfield so far this season. Not an encouraging performance for Arsene Wenger.

Kieran Gibbs

Although it was probably his best performance so far this season, he was still out of his depth and was roasted by Dries Mertens all evening down the left-side. Nacho Monreal replaced the England international after the hour mark and did a better job keeping the Belgian quiet, and it is the Spain international that should be starting for Arsenal week in week out, not the former Norwich City man. Against City, Gibbs will have to face the likes of Milner, Zabaleta and even David Silva running down his flank, and considering Gibbs’ tendency to be caught out of position, starting Monreal might be a good idea for Wenger.

Olivier Giroud

Giroud should not be benched for a bad performance against Napoli, as he was probably the Gunners’ best player on the night, but he did look fatigued, and lacked the extra yard of pace when chasing Miguel Britos. The France international deserves a rest, and with Nicklas Bendtner back at full fitness, Arsene Wenger has an able replacement at his disposal and should give him a run, and Giroud a rest in the near future.

Wojciech Szczesny

The Poland goalkeeper is one of the finest in the Premier League, but in the first half he almost gifted Napoli a goal when he headed the ball straight at Gonzalo Higuain, and if the Argentine hitman had done better with the gift he gave him, Arsenal would be looking forward to the draw of the Europa League last 32 on Monday instead of where they want to be. Talent wise, loanee Emiliano Viviano is a better player and could provide the experience and know-how Arsenal need to go further.

Mesut Ozil

The Germany playmaker looked slow and sluggish in possession and was chased down every time he touched the ball he seemingly lost possession, though in fairness the Napoli defence was flawless. Not always at his glittering best, Ozil needs to be managed carefully, as if he picks up an injury, Arsenal may find themselves slipping down the Premier League table at the most important time.