Last season, Arsenal started the season with two consecutive losses and a run of 22 matches unbeaten. This season, the Gunners have started with wins at Newcastle and against Burnley and are winless in their last two matches – losing 3-1 at Anfield and sharing points with Tottenham at the Emirates.

It has not been a smooth ride for Unai Emery is his second season for Arsenal but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goals and contribution have been crucial for the North London side. Aubameyang’s 58th minute goal was the only goal in the season opener at Newcastle. The Gabonese was involved again in the 2-1 win over Burnley at the Emirates. His 64th minute goal proved to be the winner against a tough Burnley side.

At Anfield, Aubameyang missed an opportunity to add to his tally in a game that had the Gunners pegged back by Liverpool. Aubameyang and new boy Pepe had the licence to counter and run at Liverpool’s backline but none was able to find the net. Pepe did dribble Virgil Van Dijk and had Robertson turning on his own. Aubameyang got an assist to his name for the consolation from Torreira late on.

In the North London Derby, Arsenal fell behind 2-0 with Harry Kane converting from the sport after Granit Xhaka went haywire in the box. Lacazette made sure the Gunners went into half time with a goal in the Game but it was Aubameyang who drew Arsenal level. A sumptuous ball in from Matteo Guendouzi was tapped in by the Arsenal August player of the month to earn the Gunners a point in the NLD.

Pending when Pepe discovers himself in the red and white of Arsenal, the Gunners will hope that the goals keep coming for Aubameyang and Lacazette. The trio will need a reliable playmaker to help them supply more goals for Arsenal – Mesut Ozil or Ceballos. Meanwhile Ceballos was impressive against Burnley but went AWOL against Liverpool.

How did Arsenal let Nacho Monreal go? We now have just the hulk until Kieran Tierney is match fit. It is also time to start looking at the David Luiz – Sokratis pairing. It is shipping in goals. Will Holding be a solution?

It is an international break and the Gunners need to discover themselves before they visit bottom placed Watford who fired and hired a new coach.

 

Advertisement