Arsenal have silenced their critics in a resounding manner under new manager Unai Emery. The Gunners are yet to be beaten in their last 14 games across all competitions and played out a mouth-watering 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
When Unai Emery took over as the manager, many would have expected the club to go through a prolonged transition period following the departure of Arsene Wenger. Arsenal did struggle to cope with the new manager’s pressing philosophy in the first couple of games but the acclimatisation did not take long.
As a result, Arsenal have strung together some dominant performances this season, playing some high-intensity, free-flowing and aesthetic football. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have spearheaded the attack quite brilliantly while Alex Iwobi and Mesut Ozil have also come to the party in a few games.
Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira have been instrumental in Arsenal’s dominance in the midfield and the duo once again produced a masterclass against Liverpool. Aaron Ramsey has also flourished in a more attacking role this season.
As things stand, Unai Emery must be a happy man as he seems to have all the bases covered. However, the impending departure of Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck might be a cause of concern for the club management.
Arsenal must not hesitate to add more depth to their squad in terms of attack as it would enhance their chances of competing for the title.
In fact, they should look to add a right-winger to their squad as Henrikh Mkhitaryan has largely underwhelmed since his move to the Premier League. Arsenal need an inverted-winger down the right who has the capacity to inject that much-needed pace and impetus to the attack. Danny Welbeck has been used on the right of Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 formation but the Englishman might be on his way out at the end of the season.
And Inter Milan’s Matteo Politano would be a good choice for Arsenal. A quick, agile and fleet-footed winger, Politano has the ability to inject that pace in the final third.
Operating as an inverted-winger down the right, he has the ability to light up the scene with his blistering pace and energy. To add to that, he is also known for his tenacity and would be a good fit for Emery’s pressing tactics.
Standing at just a shade below 5ft. 8 inches, Politano combines his low centre of gravity with his superior technical abilities to keep good close control along tight areas down the flanks. He has the ability to create his own space with sharp turns and leaves the defenders for dead with his instant acceleration.
An excellent dribbler, Politano is also adept at cutting inside from the right with his stronger left foot and also has a keen eye for a cross. To add to that, his pace can be an invaluable asset to the team during counter-attacks. Furthermore, he is also has a tendency to drift into the central areas and is a clinical finisher in front of goal.
Politano has two goals and two assists to his name in the Serie A this term and has averaged 2.4 shots, 1.5 key passes, 1.1 dribbles and 1.6 crosses per game.
Having said that, Arsenal should not hesitate to table a handsome bid for him next summer. He is currently on loan at Inter Milan from Sassuolo with an option to buy and the Gunners should definitely make a move for him at the end of the season.