When Unai Emery was announced as the head coach of Arsenal football club in the summer, there was a wave of optimism amongst the Arsenal faithful who had long been hoping for a change.
With Arsene Wenger no longer at the helm after 22 years, the fans have started attending games in large numbers at the Emirates Stadium. It had swathes of empty seats during the final months of the Wenger era.
With four games done and dusted, Arsenal has collected 6 points from a possible 12, with defeats against the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea followed by unconvincing wins over West Ham United and Cardiff City.
3 Lucas Torreira
When Arsenal parted with big money to land Lucas Torreira in the summer, many thought he would be the solution to the defensive midfield woes which have engulfed Arsenal for long. The Uruguayan had a solid World Cup, this increased the expectations of the Arsenal fans with regards the diminutive midfielder.
However, he hasn’t started a single game so far with Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka preferred instead. That hasn’t stopped Torreira from impacting games when called upon from the bench.
Barring a solitary mistake against Chelsea, which let The Blues take the lead, he was outstanding in the other three games. He made significant contributions in the games against West Ham and Cardiff City with tackles, interceptions and quick passes.
2 Alexandre Lacazette
Despite having to come off the bench thrice in four games so far, Alexandre Lacazette has made a real impression as a central striker. With Aubameyang preferred in his stead, the Frenchman’s game time was severely limited until the game against Cardiff City.
The Frenchman was influential against the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea when brought off the bench. He offers a little bit more to The Gunners over Aubameyang in terms of hold up play, this was in full display against The Hammers and Cardiff City. He harasses defences with his tireless work-rate and pressing from the front.
1 Matteo Guendouzi
When Unai Emery brought in a 19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi for £7 million in the summer, the Frenchman was considered one for the future by fans and pundits alike. However, he has become only the fourth Arsenal teenager to have started the first four games of a Premier League season.
With many expecting the headline grabbing arrival of the summer – Lucas Torreira to start, Emery caused quite a stir by opting to start Guendouzi against the defending champions Manchester City.
The teenager put in a fearless shift at the base of the midfield, and went on to complete the full ninety minutes against Manchester City and Chelsea, a remarkable feat considering he was playing in the French second division months ago.