Premier League 2019: Five hits and flops from Arsenal's campaign so far

Arsenal's season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride so far. They have experienced defeats against teams like Rennes, BATE Borisov, and Southampton but have also won against heavyweights like Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United.

Several pundits doubted whether Arsenal would even finish in the top six, however, they are, sitting comfortably on the 4th position with a two-point lead over fifth-placed Manchester United at the moment. Unai Emery has faced several bumps in his first season but his risk-taking attitude has won Arsenal several well-deserved points.

Unai Emery's signings have played a huge part this season. The likes of Lucas Torreira, Sokratis, Bernd Leno, and Matteo Guendouzi have set the floor on fire with their talent and played a huge part in improving the side. However, it's not only about new arrivals. Emery's impact on players, who were already playing for Arsenal, has been massive.

This article takes a look at which players who have impressed and few who have not lived up to expecations.

#5 Hit - Sead Kolasinac

Sead Kolasinac has bagged 5 assists this season, the second-most by any fullback in the Prem this season

Sead Kolasinac has been one of Arsenal's besst players this season. His energy on the left flank and his inch-perfect crosses have been a treat to watch. A major proposition of Arsenal's goals in the Premier League this term has come from the left flank, which speaks volumes about how much impact Kolasinac has had in every Arsenal attack.

The 25-year-old was signed on a free transfer from Schalke in the summer transfer window in 2017. He was a signing made by Arsene Wenger and impressed in his first season with the North London club. But this season, he has been much more effective, confident, and precise for the Gunners.

The Bosnian fullback had four assists to his name in 27 games in last seaso's Premier League. This year, he arleady has five assists despite playing nine games fewer. Emery has seen his attacking potential and given him the license to roam forward without having too much defensive responsibility.

#4 Flop - Shkodran Mustafi

Mustafi foul on Harry Kane led to Arsenal dropping two vital points

Shkodran Mustafi was bought for a reported fee of 35 million Euros from Valencia two years ago. It is certainly signing that Arsenal fans do not approve. Mustafi has never been a reliable defender for the Gunners and even Unai Emery has found it difficult to get the best out of him.

Emery's possession-based football is not an easy task for defenders to cope without because you need composure while receiving and playing the ball, something Mustafi terribly lacks.

Arsene Wenger's decisions to not cash on him out is still haunting the Gunners and makes a lot of supporters angry. He has someone who has shown no improvements for Arsenal this season and he is certainly a player the club need to get rid off. If Arsenal want to compete for the Premier League, they need to upgrade on him.

#3 Hit - Lucas Torreira

One of the most impactful players for this season has been Lucas Torreira The Uruguayan's arrival has certainly been a blessing for the Gunners. The 22-year-old is someone who radiates positivity on the pitch and he is exactly the kind of midfielder the North London club have missed in the recent decade.

Torreira was signed from Sampodiara this summer for a fee of £25 million. Arsenal was in desperate need of a competent central defensive midfielder; someone who could dictate the game and protect the back four efficiently. Torreira took up the challlenge and stepped up for the task. He is a talented and explosive midfielder who has the calibre to break apart defenses with his passes. At the age of just 22, he looks more confident than most veteran players

Arsenal have only lost one league game this season when Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka started the game in a double-pivot midfield. This tells us how influential, he has been for Emery's side.

#2 Flop - Mohamed Elneny

Opportunities have been limited under Unai Emery for Mohammed Elneny this season. The Egyptian midfielder has only 4 appearances under his belt in the league this year out of which three were from the bench. He has made an additional five appearances in the Europa League but Arsenal's terrible away form in this competition has seen him lose his place there as well.

Elneny might be on his way out for Arsenal as his new coach does not seem to be a fan of him. He has failed to provide any sort of competition for Arsenal's starting eleven midfielders, as even Matteo Guendouzi is preferred ahead of him despite being only a 19-year-old.

The former FC Basel midfielder was called up for the World Cup squad last summer but Egypt failed to make it past the group stage. The 26-year-old has not been convincing in any part of the season is likely to figure in Emery's outgoing list.

#1 Hit - Alexandre Lacazette

Former Lyon striker, Alexandre Lacazette, was Arsene Wenger's second last signing for Arsenal. While Lacazette was impressive under Wenger as well but Unai Emery's style of play and tactics have transformed his game to a new level.

Lacazette, in his first season with Arsenal, scored 14 goals and bagged four assists in the Premier League. But under his new coach, The Frenchman has netted 12 times and has four assists to his name. Not only has he become more efficient, but the way he drops deep and initiates attacks has impressed Arsenal fans.

Lacazette and Aubameyang are two very different strikers, and that has helped Emery accommodate them together into the starting line up. Aubameyang is a striker who gets behind the defence with ease and likes to score from low-crosses, whereas the latter is a type of striker who loves to dribble and create space in the box. He often drawing fouls from opposition defenders and earns spotkicks for his team.

Lacazette has become a much-improved player this season. Despite being benched for Aubameyang in several games, his confidence has never fallen and he has always given his best for the team and quickly become a fan favourite.

Edited by Aayush Kataria