3 Arsenal players that need to show improvement after the winter break

This weekend, Arsenal will be free of action as they have a much-needed winter break. This is the first time the new schedule has been implemented in England, and Mikel Arteta will be thankful he has time to get back to basics with his side.

Arteta was dropped into the deep end and the fixtures have been coming in thick and fast since his arrival as manager. However, now that Arsenal have been gifted this break, Arteta will expect to see improvements from his side.

The Gunners have been in okay form lately. Yes, they have remained unbeaten since the turn of the new year, but they will feel like they need to get on a good winning track if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

That said, many players have impressed under Arteta including Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka. However, there are some that need to improve if they are to be given any more time in the starting XI.

Here are three Arsenal players that need to work hard in this winter break and show an improvement in their performances going forward:

Luck hasn't been on Lacazette's side lately.

#1 Alexandre Lacazette

For me, Alexandre Lacazette has been the one weak link in this Arsenal side, which is a shame because he is such a talented striker. Chances have been coming his way but unfortunately, he hasn't been able to convert them.

The last time Lacazette was on the score sheet for Arsenal was in the away draw with Standard Liege back in December. Since then, he has made nine appearances and managed only the one assist.

The good news for Arsenal fans is that Lacazette went through an even worse patch of form under Arsene Wenger in his first season. The French striker worked hard and made a comeback like no other; towards the end of that season, he was firing on all cylinders.

So an improvement now is definitely achievable. He just needs to trust in what Arteta is telling him and likewise, Arteta must trust in Lacazette to provide the goods. Dropping him at this stage would be a massive blow to his morale given he is already low on confidence.

#2 Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe was the talisman at Lille but he needs to replicate that with Arsenal

Nicolas Pepe is Arsenal's most expensive player, but a section of fans are starting to get frustrated with him because he isn't quite living up to the expectations. Although he did score that important goal in the win against Manchester United under Arteta, he hasn't made a goal contribution since.

That is most fans' problem with Pepe. He is exciting to watch and he works wonders with the ball at his feet, but he hasn't contributed much in the goals department.

When Arsenal take on Newcastle next weekend, it would be the perfect opportunity for Pepe to bag a goal or assist and get on the right track for a fruitful second half of the season.

Arteta is showing plenty of trust in Pepe and rightly so, because the Ivorian regularly shows moments of brilliance on the pitch. However, he needs to start claiming more goals and assists, because that is what Arsenal paid the big bucks for.

#3 Mesut Ozil

Ozil needs to start repaying Mikel Arteta for his trust.

I was pondering over whether I should include Mesut Ozil because he has significantly improved under Arteta. However, I feel there is still work to be done, especially after his disappointing performance against Burnley last weekend.

Ozil has not provided a goal or an assist in his last 10 games, which is completely unlike him. He is clearly low on confidence; there was a time where he would have his assist tally into double figures, but he doesn't seem anywhere close to that right now.

The solution is simple: he just needs one goal contribution in any game. That will likely have a ripple effect on his self-confidence going forward, and help him regain his aura.

The German creator has been given the ability to roam across the front line so if Arteta decides to stick with this system, Ozil has no excuse not to be bagging the assists. He has obviously improved in other elements of his game such as his defensive work, but now it's time to match that with what he knows best: dictating the play in the final third