Since the days of Arsenal icons Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva, Arsenal fans have been crying out for a midfield general to give stability to the team. Despite seeing a whole host of talent learn their trade at the Emirates from Cesc Fabregas to current players such as Santi Cazorla, Wenger has struggled to keep the balance in Arsenal’s midfield.

A classic tie at Old Trafford gives a chance for Arsenal to end a terrible run against an old enemy in Manchester United.

A night to forget against Monaco has put real pressure on the Gunners to keep silverware a possibility in what has been a stop start season by all accounts.

Different Game to City

The Gunners will take heart from their latest trip to the North West, with many claiming Arsenal had turned a corner, dispelling their reputation as a team who can’t deliver on the big stage as they recorded a hugely impressive and comfortable 2-0 win over the champions Manchester City.

However, defeats have followed in arguably bigger games against Tottenham and Monaco, where Arsenal had gone in as favourites and failed to deliver when it really mattered and was expected of them.

Arsenal are currently in good form but I would like to highlight two of the younger players in the squad and talk about their futures. You may be wondering which two players I am on about well here they are Bellerin and Akpom.

Hector Bellerin signed for Arsenal the summer Fabregas went back to his home club and impressed in the reserves on numerous occasions. With one loan spell to his name at Watford it seemed Bellerin may have gone out on loan again however, he was promoted to the first team mainly because Jenkinson went out on loan to West Ham.

In hearing for a work permit, Arsenal successfully argued that he was a player of the “highest calibre” who could “contribute significantly to the development of the game at the top level in England” which astounded the Home Office, approving of the permit for the player.

Gabriel Paulista was born in Sao Paulo and joined Esporte Clube Vitoria, making his first senior appearance against Flamengo aged 19. He became a key member of the Brazilian side before making a switch to La Liga and Villarreal in 2013. He has made 22 appearances this season, shining in the back line for the side, who lie sixth in the league. Let’s see what he can bring.

The surprise of the season is definitely Arsenal’s French midfielder Francis Coquelin.

It look liked his Arsenal career was over after being sent to Freiburg last season and having a falling out with the manager. His attitude was questioned and looked like he may have blown his chance.