Arsenal’s ‘one-dimensional’ star should not start

Declan Rice didn’t play like the midfielder who missed Arsenal’s recent win over Aston Villa, but Rice is no ordinary midfielder and produced a masterclass in getting his side over the line in a 3-2 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Arsenal are five points behind second-placed Aston Villa at the top of the Premier League, but Manchester City can close the gap to three if they beat a coachless Chelsea on Sunday night.

Everything is going well for the Gunners, who are very strong in every department. However, all the big summer changes have not gone well so far, with Victor Goqueres continuing to struggle in ninth place.

Victor Gokeres struggles to make a good impression (again)

Gokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon in the summer in a deal worth around £64 million. The search for a new number nine is long and difficult, but the Sweden international has struggled to stay within the flow of Mikel Arteta’s system so far.

This was once again evident at Bournemouth.

Gokeres held his breath but failed to produce much of anything in the final third, completing five passes and only one blocked shot. That being said, he struggled and worked hard in the build-up to Rice’s first goal.

But with Mikel Merino providing a clinical outlet up top when called upon and Gabriel Jesus fit again, it’s clear the 27-year-old needs a rapid improvement in form if he wants to retain his starting spot.

Although he is hardworking and a nuisance for defenders in the final third, Gokeres should provide more play for Arteta in the box. Jesus is currently fit and motivated, so it may be difficult for him to earn a starting spot.

And he is not alone, there is another person on the other side of the field who left something behind.

Arteta must drop ‘one-dimensional’ star

Arsenal are the most complete team in the country. Having finished second in each of the last three Premier League seasons, this year is undoubtedly Arteta’s year, especially given the managerial position the Gunners find themselves in.

Arsenal are entrenched in Arteta’s defensive structure but are keen to let Pierrot Hincapie go, who is probably not going to be able to provide much of an asset going forward, knowing everything is at stake. Although he has started nine Premier League games since joining on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, the 23-year-old is yet to create any big chances, according to Sofascore, averaging just 0.1 successful dribbles per game.

Such shortcomings were exposed against Andoni Iraola’s spirited side, with the London Evening Standard giving him a match rating of 5/10 and criticizing some inefficient and sloppy passing.

Is it a technical flaw or a coaching issue? Hincapie is a talented and dynamic defender who combines strength, poise and style on the ball. But he is no Riccardo Calafioli, and some supporters remain desperate to see more of the powerful Myles Lewis-Skelly in the young squad.

In fact, Arsenal content creator James Clarke even said that “Hincapie and Martinelli are both too one-dimensional.” He’s put himself in good playmaking positions and defended well – Semenyo was kept relatively quiet throughout the game – but he may lack the ability to develop when contributing to the attack at the moment.

Hincapie is a talented player. In fact, there is little to suggest he doesn’t have what it takes to be a solid defender in the Premier League.

But perhaps it also indicates that Arteta is in a weak position in his Arsenal project. This team is really great.