Johnny Giles: Why Arsenal really miss Santi Cazorla

Arsenal will struggle to see out Premier League victories over the top sides without Santi Cazorla, according to Johnny Giles.

The Gunners host defending Premier League champions Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Arsene Wenger’s side look to secure their first win over the Blues since 2011.

Arsenal played out a goalless draw with Stoke City last weekend days after a 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

The Gunners were 3-2 ahead in the second half but were unable to see out three points as Joe Allen scored a late equaliser for the home side.

Speaking to Irish radio station Newstalks, former Leeds and Manchester United midfielder Giles explained why Arsenal are missing Santi Cazorla.

“A deep midfield position, you have to get on the ball, get it from back to front. You’re the connection,” Giles said.

“It didn’t happen at Liverpool when they were in the winning position. Cazorla wasn’t playing and no-one else did it.

“Arsenal had no-one doing it. I had a go at Ozil because he had the talent to do it but he didn’t do it. If Cazorla had been playing, he would have done it.”

Cazorla has made three assists in 14 Premier League appearances for the north London side so far this season.

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The 31-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City in November.