Arsenal have been a joy to watch in recent weeks, with Alexis Sanchez at the heart of everything good about the team’s attacking threat in the final third. Some would argue that the Chilean star is more effective playing out wide, but he has more than proved his quality through the centre with a bundle of goals to go with some excellent performances.

His presence as a false nine gives the team an entirely different dimension to the one provided by Olivier Giroud, with Alexis proving a better fit within Arsenal’s slick passing game as a more skilful and quick-thinking striker to play on the shoulders of defenders and give them a torrid time with his pace. It may prove to be a way of thinking for Arsene Wenger, even if he had little choice to play Alexis through the middle with Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez out injured. Four goals in five games is proof of his return to form, and although Betway have lowered Alexis’ odds on finishing the season as the Premier League top goalscorer, it is just good to see him back firing on all cylinders.

He would be the first to admit that he struggled to impose himself on games last season, particularly after he set the bar extremely high during his first year at the Emirates. Despite scoring thirteen league goals, Alexis went through the motions as the team never found the consistency and form to challenge for the title, but it appears that a strong Copa America campaign with eventual winners Chile has reignited the fire in his belly. The striker is showing real signs of returning to his best, with Alexis looking extremely dangerous in and around the box; he would have added to his goals tally in the recent game at Burnley if it were not for Tom Heaton or the woodwork. The same could be said of Theo Walcott who looks a completely different player this season, but while it may be a mere purple patch, Alexis has the quality to play like he has been throughout the campaign. His superb chip against Chelsea illustrated a player who has regained his confidence in front of goal, but it is his all-round performances that are not only catching the eye, but also proving extremely prominent in Arsenal’s run of five straight wins and nine unbeaten in all competitions.

Fans will hope that Alexis returns back from international duty injury-free and raring to go, with the 27-year-old set to lead the line against Peru in a South American World Cup Qualifying clash. Wenger could ill-afford a setback for a player that has started the season on fire for Arsenal, particularly as some would argue that Alexis is a confidence player that needs a strong run of form in order to get the best from him. He will certainly fancy his chances of continuing his fine run of form in Arsenal’s upcoming games in the Premier League and Champions League, with a double header against Ludogorets placed between winnable fixtures against Swansea, Middlesbrough and Sunderland. It may be the best time to check today’s betting odds at Betway.com to see if there is value in backing the Gunners to win all five games, and if Alexis continues to perform like he has done in recent weeks, then Arsenal should fancy their chances of prolonging their strong run of form.

Alexis has proven that he is a big-game player, and although he failed to hit the heights last season, fans know that Arsenal have a genuine world class player upfront. What he may lack in height to play as a genuine number nine, he more than makes up for in speed, acceleration and a clinical finishing ability to take chances with an air of ruthlessness. His superb form has kept Giroud out of the picture, and although the Frenchman still has a big part to play this season, he may have to watch on from the sidelines if Alexis continues his superb run of form in an Arsenal shirt.

Everyone loves Shkodran Mustafi, or so it would seem considering all the praise he has been receiving from every possible facet of the soccer arena. You do not need to look at the sportsbetting odds to know that Mustafi is definitely a boon for Arsenal.

Mustafi’s presence has most prominently been felt on the pitch; fans have seen him exceed expectations ever since he left Valencia and made the move to Arsenal for 35 million. It was a move that, while attracting some criticism from some fans, seems to have paid off because Arsenal has only conceded three goals in the six games they have played since Mustafi joined them.

Considering their record, five wins, and one draw, the fact that they have been largely undefeated since Mustafi joined them suggests that he has definitely added something to the team.

However, Mustafi’s talents seem to go beyond the pitch; apparently, the player is showing incredible leadership behind the scenes, keeping the Arsenal dressing room in check and impressing a number of notable individuals.

Former Gunners striker Alan Smith recently praised Mustafi’s performance. Smith understands Arsenal. He was with the team for nearly a decade, leaving in 1995. He was among the people who heaped praise on Mustafi in his column in the Daily Telegraph. He pointed out the player’s vocal leadership and suggested that it would prove far more valuable to Arsenal in the long run that his competitive streak and willingness to compete with strikers.

You wouldn’t expect Mustafi stand out; sure, as a player, considering his performance at Valencia, the fact that he is holding his own on the pitch isn’t much of a surprise. However, you would expect him to shrink from the limelight in the dressing room, considering his status as a new player.

However, Mustafi seems to be doing the opposite, refusing to shrink from conflict and speaking up in the dressing room whenever the need arises. The 24-year-old understands his place but he is also willing to say his piece.

And that is how Smith thinks it should be. It is important for people with strong views in a team to speak out and express their opinions. This is the only way a team can come together and successfully perform on the field.

Smith thinks that Arsenal is blessed with a bevy of players who are so forthright, willing to deliberate with Arsene Wenger whenever the need arises.

Mustafi always contributes to the debate, and his actions are encouraging other people to begin speaking up as well. This is very important for Arsenal at the present. Mertesacker has presently been sidelined, and his injuries are probably going to keep him away for a long time.

He was always a respected voice in the dressing room. Mustafi could step into his shoes. He and Granit Xhaka have proven time and time again that they are natural leaders. Mustafi’s fans will be happy to know that he is more than living up to the large sums of money that were paid to bring him onboard.

The days are still early, but all the signs point towards Mustafi meeting Wenger’s expectations.