Five things we learnt: Arsenal Leicester

Arsenal went into this weekend’s game against Leicester City looking to kick start their new campaign after a dismal 4-3 defeat at the hands of Liverpool last week. However, they were unable to find a breakthrough against the champions, despite creating a couple of decent chances and so were forced to settle with a draw.

Clearly, much improvement is required for next week because despite being able to shut out the Leicester attack, the lack of a killer edge was what cost the Gunners in this match and so their search for a win this season continues.

However, from the miserable draw, a few things have been learnt:

1. Alexis is not a striker

 For the second week in a row Arsene Wenger played Alexis at the tip of the Arsenal attack, and for the second week in a row, the Chilean has failed to find the goal. This isn’t his fault as such because he thrives on the wing where he can have many touches of the ball to settle himself into the game. Against Leicester, he was having crosses flown into him which he had little chance of finishing.

Clearly, Alexis is not the answer to Arsenal’s striker crisis.

2. Koscielny is vital to Arsenal

The Frenchman was rushed back into the team following Arsenal’s pathetic defensive showing against Liverpool last week and thankfully it paid off. Koscielny was easily one of Arsenal best players on the pitch and was a big reason why the game remained goalless. His authoritative presence at the back made the entire defence look much stronger than it had previously; his importance to the current Arsenal team cannot be overstated.

3. Holding looks a decent purchase

Despite many fans still crying out for another defensive signing this window, recent addition Rob Holding has been performing remarkably well under the radar. Managing to keep a clean sheet against the champions is no easy thing to do at such a young age but Holding looked very much up to the task. Sure he gave away one or two silly fouls, but seeing as he lacks the experience at the moment, I’m sure he can be forgiven for a certain level of naivety.

4. Coquelin is a loose cannon

Francis Coquelin has been an integral part in the Arsenal team ever since he was rushed into the team following half a season at Charlton and despite putting in numerous outstanding performances, it seems the Frenchman is still a little slack when it comes to discipline. He picked up a yellow card not even a third of the way into the game and did not alter his tackling style later on; coming dangerously close to receiving a second yellow on a couple of occasions.

There is no doubt that he has the quality to play for Arsenal, but eh needs to work on his discipline if he is to stay a vital component in the starting lineup.

5. Mesut Ozil is still the main man

The World Cup winner came on as a substitute very late into the game and despite having very little time to contribute anything, he completely changed the dynamic of the Arsenal attack. He made clever runs, picked out perfect passes and looked like one of the few players who could change the Gunners’ fortunes in the game.

Sadly hewasn’t able to help the Gunners score, but it was more than apparent that the quality of Arsenal’s attack went up a gear when he stepped onto the pitch.