Former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas believes Unai Emery’s team selections are costing the Gunners key points.
Following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat away at Sheffield United, the Sky Sports pundit was particularly disappointed with Emery's decision not to play returning striker Alexandre Lacazette from the start of the game.
Lacazette made his return from the bench at Bramall Lane after an ankle injury had kept him since September.
He explained: “A lot of the time, even when Alexandre Lacazette is fit, he doesn't play him because he says Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang prefers to play through the middle.
“But Aubameyang actually plays better for the team when he's slightly coming in, in behind Lacazette because it gives you the ball in over the top.
“They rely on the obscene amount of goals that Aubameyang scores playing in an average team; they need to play him with Lacazette.
“Pepe, Lacazette and Aubameyang is a very good front three. Add Ceballos in behind, and you've got creativity, pace and link-up.
"Ceballos has to play. If Ozil is out - and I don't know what the problem is - Ceballos has to play to bring the creativity."
Nicholas also bemoaned Arsenal’s defensive situation, and admitted he wants them to add to their backline in January despite signing centre-backs David Luiz and William Saliba, who was loaned back to St. Etienne.
He outlined: “I'm still not sure what Emery is trying to do.
“They've not moved forward since he's come in and we've spent a fair amount of money.
“David Luiz was relatively cheap and, on his day, is the best passer at the back, but him and Sokratis are not a partnership.
“ I don't think Rob Holding is the answer long-term - I'd like to see another centre-back in January - but if he's fit, I'd play him.”
Arsenal host Portuguese outfit Vitoria SC in the Europa League on Thursday, with Crystal Palace coming to the Emirates on Sunday.
