This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
This season has been far from straightforward for Arsenal.
The Gunners find themselves third in the Premier League and with a 100% record in the Europa League. However, not everyone is happy due to some of Unai Emery's tactical decisions.
Indeed, club legends Robin van Persie and Ian Wright criticised the manager's defensive-minded approach to the Gunners' 1-1 draw against Manchester United, per Optus Sport (via the Metro).
As Arsenal prepare to take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday night, we look at two players who could be crucial to delivering victory up in Yorkshire.
Mesut Ozil
The manager was heavily criticised and rightly so for his approach to the United game.
Playing with three defensive-minded midfielders, Emery showed little intention of attacking and instead picked a side that was quite happy to play for a point at Old Trafford.
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit told French television, per the Metro: "Emery is sending negative signals by picking three defensive midfielders against a team there for the taking."
With that in mind, the clash with Chris Wilder's men looks like the perfect game for Mesut Ozil, who has the attributes required to unpick the lock of the opposition defence and maintain the Gunners' good run.
The German set a Premier League record for the fastest player to reach 50 assists - which he achieved in 141 games for Arsenal. A player that has the vision the German possesses could be vital.
Bukayo Saka
On the basis that Alexandre Lacazette isn't available for Monday, it's imperative that the young English winger features. As witnessed against Manchester United where he grabbed an assist and completed two dribbles, Saka proved that he is perfectly capable of holding his own on the biggest stage.
As Sheffield United typically go with a 3-5-2 formation using wing backs, it is a perfect opportunity for Saka to penetrate the Blades' defensive line. He will likely go up against George Baldock, who proved last time out that he can be beaten with the ball.
In the video below, we look at where it all went wrong for Arsenal's former 'saviour', Mesut Ozil...
Against Liverpool before the international break, Baldock only completed one tackle, two fouls and was dribbled past on one occasion during the 90 minutes.
With his unsuccessful touches per game at an average of 1.4, any sort of high press could give Baldock all sorts of problems too. Saka's got the youthful energy for that, as well as being able to create havoc once he's got the ball back.