How are Arsenal's players getting on at the Africa Cup of Nations?

How are Arsenal's players getting on at the Africa Cup of Nations? 

By Jonny Bray
Arsenal have had a very strong cohort of players competing at this year's Africa Cup of Nations.
The Gunners had five players called up to their respective national squads for the competition, and it's been a roller-coaster for all of them.
As the tournament draws to a close, let's take a look at how they are getting on in Cameroon.

Mohamed Elneny

Mohamed Elneny has had an outstanding tournament in the heart of Egypt's midfielder.
He's been a crucial part of their side for many years but has been particularly influential in Cameroon.
He was named Man of the Match in the 0-0 against Côte d'Ivoire that ended with his side advancing after a penalty shootout.
He was also a big part of Egypt getting out of Group D in second place behind Nigeria.
His place at Arsenal may be under constant scrutiny, but he never disappoints on the international stage.
He's also the Arsenal player with the best chance of winning the competition this year.

Thomas Partey

Ghana would have expected a lot more heading into this year's Africa Cup of Nations.
They had a strong squad, and Thomas Partey was central to their hopes of winning the entire thing.
But The Black Stars were placed in a tough group, and it's fair to say none of their Premier League stars performed to the best of their abilities.
Ghana finished bottom of Group C behind tournament minnows Comoros, meaning Partey returned to North London without missing a single game for Arsenal.
And to make matters worse for the midfielder, he was sent off in his first game back!

Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe was having an outstanding tournament in an exciting Côte d'Ivoire front line before his side's elimination.
The Elephants were knocked out by Elneny's Egypt despite looking like one of the best teams in the tournament during the group stages.
He scored against Sierra Leone and got a goal and an assist against Algeria as his team won Group E.
But he'll be returning to England sooner rather than later after a quiet display against Egypt.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was selected for Gabon but returned to London without playing a game.
The forward stressed that he is "completely healthy" after having medical checks on his heart.
It's another twist in an already chaotic season for the striker who looks sure to be on his way out of North London following a feud with manager Mikel Arteta.

Omar Rekik

Omar Rekik has come out of nowhere to play a part in one of the stories of the tournament.
Rekik plays for Tunisia, who upset one of the tournament favourites, Nigeria, to reach the quarter-finals.
Tunisia had already defied expectations by getting out of Group F in third place.
He came off the bench in the closing stages of that game and could feature again in the next round.
His side aren't underdogs this time around against Burkina Faso.
But win or lose, Rekik has down his country proud on the biggest stage.

Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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