5 underperforming Arsenal players this season 

Arsenal are arguably having their worst season ever in the Premier League. The Gunners are currently eight points off the Champions League spots having already been knocked out of the FA cup in the third round by Nottingham Forest.

A nervy League Cup final awaits them against the seemingly unstoppable Manchester City on 25 February and it has been the only positive this season. Wenger's men will be looking at the Europa League as the most realistic way towards Champions League qualification.

In these testing times, a few players have performed well below average and have let down their team multiple times during the season. Let us have a look at them.

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#5 Laurent Koscielny

Koscielny needs to lead fro the fron

A surprise inclusion on this list considering Laurent Koscielny has been one of Arsenal's most consistent players over the years. However, his recent form has shown that age is catching up with the Frenchman.

Signed from Lorient in 2011 as a raw youngster, Koscielny went on to become one of the best defenders in the Premier League and even attracted interest from top clubs in Europe.

This season, however, he has been in dodgy form. Continuous and silly mistakes have led to Arsenal conceding more goals than any other top six side. Koscielny has been a fan favourite at Arsenal for many years, but sentiments aside, it's better for the club to look for a future replacement.

#4 Alex Iwobi

Iwobi is a product of Arsenal's youth academy

Alex Iwobi, like most of his teammates, has been under a constant stream of criticism from pundits and fans alike. The Nigerian international was once considered one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League and even got nominated for the Golden Boy award

The academy graduate's output in terms of assists and goals has been below par considering he is a winger. Arsene Wenger is giving him ample amount of chances as he has become a regular starter recently since the departure of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.

Iwobi has failed to live up to expectations and it isn't long before Arsenal fans lose their patience with him. However, he is still very young and under the right guidance, he can prosper into a great player.

#3 Petr Cech

Petr Cech hasn't saved a single penalty for Arsenal

Petr Cech is always counted amongst the greatest Premier League keepers ever. The Czech international spent the prime years of his illustrious career at Chelsea and is considered a legend at Stamford Bridge. He was usurped by a young Thibaut Courtois when his ability started fading and moved to North London in 2015 due to lack of game time.

The Champions League winner's Arsenal career has been full of ups and downs. He has bailed them out several times by making splendid saves but has even made comical errors out of simple situations. The 35-year-old has a dodgy penalty record too and hasn't been able to save a single penalty for Arsenal in almost three years.

A prime example of these errors was seen in the game versus Swansea City where Cech's misadventures gifted the opposition a goal and they went on to win 3-1. There are clear indications that Cech is in the closing stages of his career and a club like Arsenal who are aiming for the biggest prizes need a more dynamic keeper in their ranks.

#2 Alexandre Lacazette

Lacazette was signed from Lyon in the summer

Alexandre Lacazette has been having a disappointing first season in England. The Frenchman was brought to North London for a then club record fee in the summer from Lyon and after good performances in his initial games, he has faded away into oblivion.

The striker has just contributed nine goals for Arsenal while his fellow strikers Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero have already crossed the 20 goal mark with 11 games to spare.

The January signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hasn't helped matters at all and has seen Lacazette drop to the bench in Arsenal's last two games.

Lacazette has had to undergo surgery on his left knee recently and is expected to be out for several. The Arsenal faithful will be hoping he comes back stronger.

#1 Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka has started every Premier League game for Arsenal this season

Granit Xhaka has been the worst player for Arsenal this season. The Swiss international was signed from Bundesliga side Borrusia Monchengladbach in 2016. The 25-year-old put in stellar performances in the second half of last season and was vital in Arsenal's FA Cup winning campaign.

The former Basel star has started every league game this season and has been deployed in front of the defence. Much to the ire of Arsenal fans, his constant loss of possession in dangerous areas have led to many goals being scored against the Gunners.

There have been multiple calls for him to be benched and a pivot of Ramsey and Wilshere to be deployed, However, Wenger hasn't lost faith at all in his key signing. He was Subjected to a lot of criticism on social media and more woeful performances by him will definitely be met with consequences. At just 25 years of age, his best years are still ahead of him and fans will be hoping that he comes out good.