Charlie Nicholas thinks only Mesut Özil and Alexandre Lacazette are good enough to get in a combined XI with Chelsea, ahead of tonight’s meeting.
Nicholas gave his thoughts on the two teams to Sky Sports. He said of Mesut Özil and Alexandre Lacazette: “I can fit Mesut Ozil in on the right-hand side. But in more of a free role than being limited to operating on the flank. He’s world class still and only appears like a luxury player because Arsenal don’t know what their system is or how to utilise him properly.
“I’d play [Alvaro Morata] alongside Alexandre Lacazette, who Arsenal don’t really use effectively either. For some reason he’s asked to be involved with the build-up play, which he has improved at. But I’d like to see him taking his touches in the box and playing on the heels of defenders.”
Clearly, none of the players in Wenger’s side are impressing the 55-year-old at the moment, considering both of the Arsenal selections come with caveats that they’d be better off playing different roles. Then again, it’s not exactly difficult to understand why.
Lacazette and Özil have done well this campaign, contributing 21 league goals between them. Nonetheless, Arsenal are currently sixth in the table, having just drawn with West Bromwich Albion, who were bottom of the Premier League at the time.
The Gunners also seven points behind Chelsea, meaning even a win on Wednesday night would only get them within three points of top four, while the Blues could go second.
If Chelsea do win, they’d leave Arsenal six points off a Champions League place and still two points off Tottenham, who would also have a game in hand.
It’s hardly surprising if many of the Gunners’ individuals don’t make pundits’ combined XIs as a result of the club’s inconsistent this season. Hopefully Wenger’s side can prove them wrong, and the club’s Twitter account can send another tea-sipping GIF.