Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has come in for some harsh criticisms from the fans for his performances this season, and stats suggest that they are right.
Arsenal fans were fuming after their disappointing 1-1 away draw with Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday, and one man took the brunt of their fury.
Yaya Sanogo has been at Arsenal since last summer when he joined them on a free transfer after his contract with French club Auxerre ran out.
However, the French striker has failed to impress at the Emirates Stadium. Even considering his tender age (21) and limited playing time, Sanogo has not done enough to spark confidence that he can push Olivier Giroud for a regular first-team place.
As his stats from last season show, the youngster’s time was severely limited in the league and it would not be fair to be too harsh on him. After all, it was Sanogo’s introduction against Hull City in the FA Cup final at London’s Wembley Stadium in May that gave the Gunners added impetus in attack.
| Team | Pos | Goals | Goal Assist | Total Scoring Att | Ontarget Scoring Att | Final Third Entries | Pen Area Entries | Apps | Mins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | Arsenal | FW | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 71 |
However, this season the pressure is building on Sanogo and many fans are not pleased with his performances so far (click here to read more).
| Team | Pos | Goals | Goal Assist | Total Scoring Att | Ontarget Scoring Att | Final Third Entries | Pen Area Entries | Apps | Mins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | Arsenal | FW | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 139 |
Sanogo has made two Premier League appearances in 2014-15 and has been disappointing in both. He started against Crystal Palace at the Emirates in Arsenal’s opening game of the season and was taken off just past the hour mark.
The Frenchman started against Leicester and was replaced by Lukas Podolski with 13 minutes remaining, with just two of his seven shots on target.
| Team | Pos | Goals | Goal Assist | Total Scoring Att | Ontarget Scoring Att | Final Third Entries | Pen Area Entries | Apps | Mins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A – Leicester | Arsenal | FW | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 77 |
It would be unwise to expect too much of Sanogo at this stage of his career, but given the competition for places in Arsene Wenger’s starting line-up, every minute should matter for him. With Giroud expected to be out until the New Year, he should try to make the most of the chances he gets.
Danny Welbeck’s £16 million signing from Manchester United on transfer deadline day means that the England international is now likely to step in for the Frenchman, making it tougher for Sanogo, who will also have to compete with Lukas Podolski and Joel Campbell.
Two disappointing appearances should not make Arsenal fans turn on Sanogo, but the striker should be determined to raise his game in his next outing for the North London club.
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