3 players who have impressed for Arsenal so far this season

When Unai Emery was announced as the head coach of Arsenal football club in the summer, there was a wave of optimism amongst the Arsenal faithful who had long been hoping for a change.

With Arsene Wenger no longer at the helm after 22 years, the fans have started attending games in large numbers at the Emirates Stadium. It had swathes of empty seats during the final months of the Wenger era.

With four games done and dusted, Arsenal has collected 6 points from a possible 12, with defeats against the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea followed by unconvincing wins over West Ham United and Cardiff City.

With the Unai Emery era still at an early stage, here are the three players that have impressed so far.

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#3 Lucas Torreira

Torreira has been putting in notable performances when called upon from the bench

When Arsenal parted with big money to land Lucas Torreira in the summer, many thought he would be the solution to the defensive midfield woes which have engulfed Arsenal for long. The Uruguayan had a solid World Cup, this increased the expectations of the Arsenal fans with regards the diminutive midfielder.

However, he hasn’t started a single game so far with Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka preferred instead. That hasn't stopped Torreira from impacting games when called upon from the bench.

Barring a solitary mistake against Chelsea, which let The Blues take the lead, he was outstanding in the other three games. He made significant contributions in the games against West Ham and Cardiff City with tackles, interceptions and quick passes.

In the last two games, his cameos from the bench were vital in The Gunners securing maximum points. Against West Ham, he provided solid protection for the back four which let his midfield partner Xhaka contribute to the attack with his penetrating long balls. The Uruguayan’s performance against The Bluebirds is being lauded by Gunners fans.

In under 20 minutes, Torreira made 26 passes and won 3 tackles along with his assist for Alexandre Lacazette's goal, which proved to be the difference between the sides. The transitions from defence to offense are smooth and quick when he is in the team.

He is going to be vital for Unai Emery. He has the positional discipline, grit and passing abilities to succeed under the Spaniard’s system.

#2 Alexandre Lacazette

Alexandre Lacazette's hold up play has been praised

Despite having to come off the bench thrice in four games so far, Alexandre Lacazette has made a real impression as a central striker. With Aubameyang preferred in his stead, the Frenchman’s game time was severely limited until the game against Cardiff City.

The Frenchman was influential against the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea when brought off the bench. He offers a little bit more to The Gunners over Aubameyang in terms of hold up play, this was in full display against The Hammers and Cardiff City. He harasses defences with his tireless work-rate and pressing from the front.

The Frenchman was immense in the last two games with his pace and hold up play. Against Cardiff City, he put in a man of the match performance with a goal and an assist, along with his overall contribution to the game.

The Frenchman has to start from here, with Aubameyang whom he shares a fine bond on and off the pitch, playing on the left.

#1 Matteo Guendouzi

Matteo Guendouzi has endeared himself to the fans with his work rate and bravery

When Unai Emery brought in a 19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi for £7 million in the summer, the Frenchman was considered one for the future by fans and pundits alike. However, he has become only the fourth Arsenal teenager to have started the first four games of a Premier League season.

With many expecting the headline grabbing arrival of the summer - Lucas Torreira to start, Emery caused quite a stir by opting to start Guendouzi against the defending champions Manchester City.

The teenager put in a fearless shift at the base of the midfield, and went on to complete the full ninety minutes against Manchester City and Chelsea, a remarkable feat considering he was playing in the French second division months ago.

There were moments where his inexperience came to the fore like when he allowed Raheem Sterling far too easily score the opening goal. His positioning was suspect in the latter two games against West Ham United and Cardiff City.

But having made more tackles and interceptions than any other midfielder at Arsenal along with his quality passing range, the Frenchman has certainly endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful with plenty of heart and industry.