Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Arteta says team were 'below standard'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing his first real test at the Emirates heading into the international break. There was plenty of optimism heading into the new season after Arsenal finished last year on a high.
The Gabon international has failed to score from open play in the league since the win over Fulham back in September.
He's managed just seven shots on target in eight games so far and has looked a shadow of his former self, struggling to affect games as he usually does.
That will lead on to Arteta's second issue which is Arsenal's front line as a whole.
Alexandre Lacazette was Arsenal's youngest starting attacker against Villa at 29 years of age.
The Frenchman has been a popular choice under Arteta, along with summer signing Willian, to play up top with Aubameyang.
Both Willian and Lacazette don't possess the pace they once had years ago while Nicolas Pepe has begun to show signs of why Arsenal paid big money to sign him in 2019.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struggled for form at Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
Pepe has started just once in the Premier League but his performances in the Europa League so far could well warrant a change of approach from Arteta moving forward.
Finally, Arteta will start to have one eye on the January transfer window with incomings and outgoings expected.
Signing another youthful attacker is reportedly among Arsenal's main priorities with the club still interested in Houssem Aouar.
But trimming down the squad will likely be the first point of call as Arsenal currently have eight centre-backs.
Arteta has two weeks before Arsenal return to action in the busy festive period which could prove vital in their hopes for the remainder of the season.