UEFA Europa League 2017/18: Östersunds 0-3 Arsenal, 5 Talking Points

Arsenal need 'stronger' men in the middle of the field.

Arsenal's defensive midfield needs reinforcements. Quickly.

Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles were given the nod by Arsene Wenger this evening to start and while they ensured that their defence kept a clean sheet, they were often dispossessed and easily brushed aside by a team who've only played one game in their last few weeks.

Elneny is a passer but the lack of his physicality in midfield is a problem for the manager. The same goes for the young Englishman, Maitland-Niles. Technically, the both of them are adept and can pass their way out of situations but neither of them can shield the ball and brush opposition players off their game.

Arsenal have for long needed someone strong in midfield and with the departure of Francis Coquelin this winter, it looks as if the need for someone physical is even more.

If they're to take this competition seriously and try to win it come May, they'll need to get creative on how to solve the problem of their defensive midfield.