With two months left of the Premier League season, Arsenal are in real danger of missing out on a top-four spot for the first time in Arsene Wenger's 21-year reign. Who are their most important men as they try to make a late push for Champions League qualification? The list has changed from the start of the season.

This list is not extensive and has been ranked according to varying factors. Some players still with a part to play have been omitted.

Performance, potential, the ability to make an impact and influence the course of a game, other options in that area of the field, the ability or inability to replace them and market value have all played a part in revising the 15.

1. Alexis Sanchez (+1)

There's no doubt that Sanchez is Arsenal's best player, but he also seems to be the most divisive presence in the dressing room at the moment. He needs to put his frustrations aside and keep producing goals if Arsenal are to have any chance of salvaging their season.

2. Laurent Koscielny (+2)

With Koscielny on the pitch, Arsenal were 2-1 ahead on aggregate against Bayern Munich. Without him, they shipped nine goals. Enough said.

3. Mesut Ozil (-2)

The German's form has dropped of late even when he has been healthy, and there are question marks about his commitment. But Arsenal don't have a proper playmaker without him, as was evident in the loss at West Brom.

4. Hector Bellerin (+3)

Arsenal's attack relies heavily on Bellerin, using his speed to make raids down the right flank. Still needs to get better defensively.

5. Petr Cech (-2)

Arsenal's defence is still leaky and soft, meaning Cech usually has to make key saves even against smaller teams. Currently injured, though, and perhaps this spot should belong to David Ospina instead.

6. Shkodran Mustafi (new entry)

Mustafi's aura has faded a bit after a few shaky appearances in 2017. But his partnership with Koscielny is still key for Arsenal.

7. Granit Xhaka (-1)

Xhaka hasn't really lived up to his price tag so far, but he keeps growing into his role and could yet become the midfield general the Gunners need him to be.

8. Theo Walcott (+6)

Walcott is on course for the most prolific season of his career and needs to keep scoring down the stretch. If he could start doing more than just scoring, that would be nice, too.

9. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (+2)

Keeps showing glimpses of becoming the player we've been waiting for but remains too inconsistent. Has all the tools but doesn't always seem to know what to do with them. Whether he'll be playing centrally or on the wing, Arsenal need him to start dictating games more.

10. Olivier Giroud (-5)

Giroud should definitely be used as a super-sub, not a starter. But as such, he can still have a massive impact on the big games Arsenal have left to play.

11. Francis Coquelin (new entry)

Coquelin should be higher on this list, but his form has been downright poor since Santi Cazorla was injured in October. Coquelin makes for a great partner to Cazorla, as he can focus solely on defensive duties, but he isn't assertive enough when he has to get involved in the passing game as well.

12. Alex Iwobi (no change)

Iwobi has faded after a very promising start to the season and has struggled in the big games. Remains a very promising talent but still has lots to learn.

13. Nacho Monreal (-3)

This has been an unusually inconsistent season for Monreal, who has been one of Arsenal's most reliable performers in the past. Still a crucial part of the back four but there isn't much between him and Kieran Gibbs at the moment.

14. Aaron Ramsey (new entry)

We're still waiting for the 2013-14 version of Ramsey to return. If he ever does, he'll be in the top five on this list. On current form, he's merely an afterthought.

15. Danny Welbeck (new entry)

It's hard to know what to expect from Welbeck as he continues to be used sparingly after his long-term knee injury. But he could be the spark Arsenal's attack needs down the stretch.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by MATTIAS KAREN, ARSENAL CORRESPONDENT

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