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Arsenal’s right-back, Hector Bellerin, put in a Jekyll and Hyde performance during the club’s 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Saturday.

Going forward, the 23-year-old was explosive, creative and often at the heart of the Gunners’ best attacking moves. The Spaniard’s assist was no less than he deserved for his persistence and endeavour in attack.

Defensively, however, Bellerin was repeatedly caught out after pushing too high up the pitch. West Ham were able to regularly get in behind the Arsenal defensive line by invading Bellerin’s vacated berth.

With Arsenal’s defence already having looked leaky so far this campaign, manager Unai Emery can’t afford for Bellerin to be so cavalier in attack that he neglects his defensive responsibilities. With the experienced Stephan Lichtsteiner now on hand at the Emirates Stadium to step into Bellerin’s breach, the younger full-back’s starting place for the Gunners may now be under threat.

Before he is usurped in the squad, though, Bellerin should be given a few further opportunities to prove that he can adapt to Emery’s demands. This is especially true as Arsenal’s back line can’t really afford to lose the pace that Bellerin provides.

What do you think Arsenal fans? Should Bellerin be retained in the starting XI and allowed to grow into his role under Emery? Or, has the time come for Lichsteiner to be installed as a starter in order to bring greater experience and authority to the rearguard?