Breaking Down Santi Cazorla's Performance for Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace

Santi Cazorla is arguably most in-form player in the Premier League. His superb recent performances won him the honour of being named the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for both December and January. However, a disjointed Arsenal display against Crystal Palace failed to give him the platform required to work his customary magic.

He did manage to score Arsenal’s opener. After Danny Welbeck was tripped by Pape Souare, Cazorla stepped up to score his seventh Premier League goal of the season. Six of those have been penalties—remarkably, the Spain international has now scored more penalties this season than any of the other 19 clubs in the division have managed overall.

Cazorla went to Julian Speroni’s left, but this graphic demonstrates a flexibility to Cazorla’s approach from the spot.

Santi Cazorla penalties | Squawka.com

Part of the reason for Cazorla’s continued success from the 12-yard mark is presumably the fact that he is able to vary his kicks, making it difficult for goalkeepers to anticipate his decision.

However, Cazorla struggled to impose himself on the game beyond the penalty. His passing statistics show a success rate of just 77 per cent, which is very low for any Arsenal midfielder, let alone one of Cazorla’s technical brilliance—his season average stands at 88 per cent. At Palace, both Francis Coquelin and Mesut Ozil managed to be more consistent in possession.

Santi Cazorla passing | Squawka.com

One factor was certainly the Selhurst Park pitch. This was not the sort of pristine surface Arsenal are accustomed to, and it showed, as the Gunners struggled to retain possession for long periods.

Cazorla’s deployment may also have been a factor. As in the FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough, he played in a deeper role alongside Coquelin. While that worked effectively in a home tie against Championship opposition, Palace provided a far sterner test.

Alan Pardew’s side played a high-intensity pressing game that prevented Cazorla and Co. from establishing any rhythm to their passing. Instead, he was forced to focus on his defensive duties.

Santi Cazorla attempted tackles | Squawka.com

Cazorla attempted eight tackles in the match—that’s as many as the more naturally defensive Coquelin. As the graphic demonstrates, many of those were made in the left-back area, as he sought to help compatriot Nacho Monreal in his duel with Wilfried Zaha.

While Cazorla deserves praise for adapting his game, his failure to provide a creative spark will have given Arsene Wenger food for thought. On tough away trips, Arsenal may be better served by allowing Cazorla to focus on following his attacking instincts. Once Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta return to the squad, Cazorla may find himself shifted forward into a more familiar No. 10 role.

All stats via Squawka

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.