[ad_pod ]This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…ÂArsenal threw away a two-goal lead as Watford came from behind to salvage a point at home.The Hornets put up 31 shots against Unai Emery’s error-prone backline and probably were more worthy of the points despite looking down and out at half-time.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored an 11-minute brace, but that was to be for nothing as Sokratis handed Tom Cleverley an easy chance to get one back before David Luiz conceded a penalty less than ten minutes from time to give Roberto Pereyra a much-deserved equaliser.The Gunners have been fired at more than any other side in the top five European leagues – having already faced 96 shots this season.
So maybe the problem wasn’t Shkodran Mustafi after all?
Sokratis’ performance was particularly a standout, for all the wrong reasons.
Aside from his one error leading to a goal, he lost possession six times and managed to win just half of his aerial duels.
WhoScored gave the 31-year-old the worst rating of anyone on the pitch, substitutes included, with a lowly 5.31.
Last season, Mustafi was singled out for several of Arsenal’s defensive problems, leading him to be booed on multiple occasions.
The German World Cup winner has since been frozen out of Emery’s starting lineup and even matchday squad as a result, but this latest showing from Sokratis highlights how the problem lies much deeper than merely with one player.
How do football vloggers afford to watch their team week in, week out? Find out in the video below…
Spare a thought for defender Calum Chambers, who went on loan to Fulham last season and, despite relegation, was one of their better players, which duly earned him a chance in pre-season.
He came in on the opening day against Newcastle United and kept a clean sheet, but was dropped and they’ve conceded in every game since.
Sokratis managed just one blocked shot and zero interceptions despite the onslaught the home side launched with their 31 shots – a rather feeble effort from a centre-back.
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