Advertisement

Three talking points from Arsenal's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace

Alexandre Lacazette (R) celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s fourth goal with Spanish defender Hector Bellerin (C) and German midfielder Mesut Ozil
Alexandre Lacazette (R) celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s fourth goal with Spanish defender Hector Bellerin (C) and German midfielder Mesut Ozil

Arsenal’s swagger returned at the Emirates earlier today, with a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Here are the three main talking points from the game:

Mesut Ozil is pure class

Some things in life are best left unsaid and then there are things that are not said enough. Words in Mesut Ozil’s appreciation fall short whenever he chooses to run games like he did today.

The German was the beneficiary of a change in formation and a lack of uncertainty in the side. After Monreal had had his moment, it was all creative beauty from the maestro.

READ MORE: Early Arsenal blitz means Sanchez is hardly missed

READ MORE: Arsenal’s January window will be better than Liverpool’s

AS IT HAPPENED: Arsenal v Crystal Palace

READ MORE: Early Arsenal blitz means Sanchez is hardly missed

The flick to set up Lacazette for his goal was actually his fourth of the match, in just 20-odd minutes. That kind of confidence is what Arsenal need for their main man to have. He makes them play not only better, but a whole lot faster.

There is no doubt that this side is a completely different team with Ozil in the XI. His ability on the ball and sheer presence on the pitch is something Arsenal cannot afford to let go. Sign da thing now, you class, class act.

Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal tackles Luka Milivojevic of Crystal Palace
Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal tackles Luka Milivojevic of Crystal Palace
Wenger’s hands full with squad shake-up

The sight of Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal back in the Arsenal defence were probably the highlight of the day for all Gunners’ fans. That is, until the floodgates opened and goals were flying in everywhere.

However, it is hard to miss that this side is in serious need of defensive back-up. With both Koscielny and Monreal approaching the wrong side of 30, Wenger should be looking at some big moves in the summer.

The signing of Konstantinos Mavropanos has been a step in the right direction, but it will take more than that to convince the fans. Holding and Chambers are decent options on the bench, but the club needs to invest in a big-name centre back in June.

After all, with big Per retiring, we need to have someone else to sing about, don’t we?

Arsenal cannot afford any more slip-ups

After a performance like that, one can be forgiven to be in disbelief over the amount of points Arsenal have at this time. 42 from 24 games tells you just how poor a season the North London side is enduring.

READ MORE: Mkhitaryan discussing final details of move to Arsenal

READ MORE: Sanchez swap deal draws close

But then you see the team playing like that and it makes you wonder whether Sanchez’s attitude truly was the issue in the camp. And now with that sorted, the players have found their mojo.

It will take a humongous effort from the Gunners to reach Champions League football this season, but now they really don’t have any excuses. If the players are capable of producing such a stunning display, then there is no reason why they cannot breach the top four.

With the rumoured incoming of Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan, Arsenal will have enough firepower to see them go on a winning run now. If they want to avoid a situation like Sanzhez’s again, that run has to go on till the end of the season.