My Arsenal Starting XI

Wojciech Szczesny (Keeper)
He has been brilliant this year having performed very well in all the games especially in the last Premier League appearance against Crystal Palace where he made numerous stunning saves. Since being dropped last year he has worked very hard and now looks like the real deal. He is vocal which is so important in this Arsenal team which really lacks a leader.


Bacary Sagna (Right-back)
He was quite poor near the back-end of last season but has been consistent this time out and is vital in Arsenal's attack. With the absence of pace as Theo Walcott is out injured Sagna's overlaps and crosses are hugely important. Defensively he is sometimes lacking but has performed well even when playing at centre-back.


Per Mertesacker (Centre-back)
He is definitely not the quickest but has performed on a consistent basis. His height is a real asset in the Premier League as it is often hugely physical with a constant aerial threat. He has long legs and is usually a very good tackler. He also seems a decent leader and cares about the success of the team.


Laurent Koscielny (Centre-back)
Quick, agile and great at tackling. He has been a revelation for Arsenal this season and towards the end of the last one. He has established himself as a crucial member of the team. He can be bit reckless from time to time being sent off several times during his Arsenal career. However his partnership with Per Mertesacker is developing into a formidable one therefore he is a must on the team sheet for me.


Kieran Gibbs (Left-back)
When fit he is a reliable and decent left-back providing some attacking flair. However, he is very often injured and not yet mature enough even though he has a bright future ahead of him. Nacho Monreal is far worse and since we don't really have any other options in this department, Gibbs is again a must if he is fit. He does have some decent crossing and pace which is very much needed when the team is quite slow especially in midfield.


Theo Walcott (Right wing)
In the last two seasons he has been immense for the Gunners scoring and providing many goals. It is unfortunate that he has got such a terrible injury since he is so valuable for us with his pace, crossing and goals that Arsenal need to push on their title challenge. Arsenal's midfielders are very good and clever passers who can pass their way through defences but Walcott provides a different outlet that is key in breaking down stubborn defences.


Mathieu Flamini (Central Defensive Midfield)
He is the type of player Arsenal missed, he is a player with a bit of bite who will do the dirty work. He has been a hugely valuable addition to the team even though he is not a brilliant or beautiful player. I have picked him ahead of Arteta because he is an organiser of men and is not afraid to bark orders and abuse at team mates. He is an absolute rock for Arsenal and needed.


Mesut Ozil (Central Attacking Midfield)
Signed for over £40million in the summer, he started off brilliantly for the Gunners but has hit a bit of a wall for us recently. I believe it is because he has never played in a league without a winter break so he may be lacking a bit of fitness in his first season. However his range of passing and quality is undoubted so he is vital for us since he can always conjure up a bit of magic. He has begun to play better, most notably against Everton in the FA Cup 6th round.


Aaron Ramsey (Central Attacking Midfield)
He has been Arsenal's main man at the start of the season scoring 13 goals in no time at all and establishing himself as a starter for the Gunners week in week out. Hopefully he can continue his form after he returns from the injury that has curtailed his season when he was playing so well. He is young and can still improve so he is a huge talent for the future.


Santi Cazorla (Left Wing)
He is clever, good passer and often grabs a goal or two which is an important trait for a midfielder. He was our best player last season but hasn't quite managed to replicate his form. However, he has popped up with 6 goals so far setting up others as well. He is still a brilliant player and influential for the Gunners in the centre of the pitch.


Olivier Giroud (Striker)
He is often accused of being wasteful but he has scored 18 goals this season which is a decent return. He could end up with 25 goals or more which would make people turn their heads and pay attention. He is constantly improving and always tries hard which is admirable. It is clear that he needs some support but he has done reasonably well this season.