See why Henrikh Mkhitaryan must improve ASAP

Arsenal were unfortunate not to have picked up maximum points at Old Trafford on Wednesday after taking the lead twice during the encounter.

The Gunners were rampant against the Red Devils throughout the night but they were denied a much deserved victory when Jesse Lingard somehow found the back of the net, thanks to a shambolic defending from the Gunners.

Considering the quality of their opponents and the venue of the encounter, taking a point at Old Trafford is equally an applaudable achievement and Emery will be happy his men continue their unbeaten run which has stretched to 20 games in all competitions.

As much as the team should be happy with what they’ve achieved so far, there is one player who should be very much concerned about his recent form.

Armenian forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan is far from the form he started this season with. The former Manchester United striker isn’t showing enough to retain a spot in Emery’s first eleven as he looks off-form and very tiring.

At Old Trafford during the midweek fixture, Mkhitaryan was surprisingly given the nod by the Gunners boss to start against the Premier League giants and his former club.

He didn’t show any display that will make Mourinho regret his decision to let him off his radar during the previous winter transfer market.

His crosses were poorly delivered, his off-the-ball movements left so much to be desired and he didn’t track back to help his teammates at the back.

According to whoscored.com, a player rating site, Mkhitaryan made contact with the ball in less than 30 occasions, he delivered just 4 crosses and he didn’t record any shot on target before he was subbed out of the clash.

• Emery relieved with more options in the defence

His problems didn’t just start at Old Trafford, he was equally uninspiring and ineffective during the Gunners 4-2 victory over Tottenham at Wembley stadium last weekend.

He’s got to improve tremendously and as quickly as he could because his place in the team is under intense pressure from Alexandre Lacazette.

The Frenchman has been in electric and deadly form for the team in recent weeks, yet he’s not been getting regular game time.

Despite coming on from the bench, the former Lyon star scored a very important goal against Tottenham at the weekend.

He continued his rich form in front of goal as he put the ball behind David De Gea on Wednesday.

His blistering form won’t be overlooked by Emery for a very long time, especially with Iwobi and Mkhitaryan’s dwindling form. The Spanish manager could be forced to drop him from his subsequent matches while he gives Lacazette the time he truly deserves.

Apart from the Frenchman, academy products and stars including Bukayo Saka, and Eddie Nketiah are very much closer to breaking into the first team.

Hence, the competition for a place is becoming too intense and Mkhitaryan has no option but to return back to form and seize every opportunity that come his way.