Despite losing their first two matches of the current campaign, Arsenal have rebounded quite nicely. In fact, they have not lost a match since the Chelsea defeat back in August. The 10 consecutive victories in all competitions is a feat the club has not accomplished in over a decade. With the Gunners firing on all cylinders, let’s take a look at the three main reasons for the sudden surge from Arsenal.
1. Fresh Ideas
Unai Emery’s appointment as head coach has undeniably given the team a shot in the arm. From footage of training to the confidence shown on the pitch during matches, the squad seems happy and loose. Though some have strangely ridiculed certain aspects of Arsenal’s practices, it is clear that whatever they are doing is working. Emery seemingly has a plan of intense training, followed by more enjoyable team-building exercises to end the day. This has certainly helped bring the players closer together.
On the pitch, the Gunners are flying. While they have not exactly been a rock at the back, Arsenal is one of the most impressive clubs in the Premier League going forward. The team has scored an impressive 32 goals in their first dozen total matches during the season, and only the reigning champions Manchester City have scored more goals than Arsenal during league play.
SEE MORE: Schedule of Arsenal games on US TV and streaming
Emery’s substitutions are also worth noting. No other Premier League club has more goals from substitutions this season than the Gunners. Outside of the offense, Emery’s tactically and timely decisions during matches have been spot on. From balancing the team in midfield, to helping out his back line, the Spaniard has rarely got a decision wrong so far during the current campaign.
2. Aubameyang/Lacazette Partnership
Speaking of offense, no other duo in England’s top flight has combined for more goals (10) this season than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. The club started to get a glimpse of this dynamic duo during the last few months of the 2017/18 season, but time and understanding between the two has certainly grown and benefited the club.
Outgoing manager Arsene Wenger should undoubtedly receive some credit for this partnership. After all, he did sign both players and quite frankly has his thumbprint all over this Arsenal squad. The Frenchman is responsible for 77% of the players that have featured so far this season for the club. Nevertheless, Emery is currently getting everything out of these players.
3. Young Players Developing
Along with the aforementioned firepower up front, Arsenal’s younger players have also made a significant impact as well. Alex Iwobi, Hector Bellerin, and Rob Holding in particular have all shown improvement this season. The standout of this trio has to be Iwobi though, as he has been nothing short of spectacular during these opening couple of months for the north London club. The Nigeria international has injected pace, skill, and trickery into the team and is brimming with confidence under Emery.
The Spanish coach has also done a phenomenal job with his new recruits. Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi (both young), Bernd Leno, Sokratis, and Stephan Lichtsteiner have all performed well so far during the current campaign. Giving playing time to youngsters is also something that Emery feels comfortable with as well. This rapid development with the young players will only help further the club moving forward.
from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2RcL8NX
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