After a week in which Arsenal beat Munchen and went to the top of the league, Arsene Wenger’s men came back down to earth with a bump over the last seven days.
A pasting at the hands of Bayern and a severe test against Tottenham, highlighted the defensive frailties that still burden this squad.
Per Mertesacker seems to have been on the way out for years but has somehow held on to his position in the side.
But, after his lack of pace was exposed again on Sunday, it must now be time for Gabriel Paulista to step into the breach full time whenever fit.
He’s coped well when he has played and has far more pace than the German.
Theo Walcott is again injured but Olivier Giroud has shown enough up top of late to prove that he is perhaps the top centre forward at the club.
And, apart from that, the Arsenal team is almost picking itself now.
Injuries have come think and fast of late but, with a big squad of quality players, Arsenal fans can be optimistic about the second half of the season.
So here is how we see their strongest XI right now.
Arsenal fans: discuss
