Posted on Thursday, 29th September 2011 by Guest Blogger
Arsenal sealed a nervy 2-1 win over Greek side Olympiakos last night, but it was the contribution of 18-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain that would have done much to put a smile back on the Gunners’ supporters.
The former Southampton winger took his goal expertly to open the scoring for Arsenal last night as he cut in from the right side and stroked the ball into the net with his left foot.
While Chamberlain’s game is clearly a work in progress, there are genuine signs that Arsenal could have another star on their hands.
Pat Rice said:
‘From Arsenal supporters’ point of view, they are going to be seeing a lot of this boy.’
Taking about the competition for places with Walcott, Rice added:
‘I know that Theo is a very strong-willed guy as well and he won’t give in easy.’
‘Alex can go inside, he can go outside, he’s got that injection of pace and I think what he needs now is to be consistent in his play.’
Arsene Wenger, watching from the stands last night as he completed his two-match touchline ban, now has an interesting decision to make for Sunday’s derby with Spurs.
Does he go with the more experienced Theo Walcott? Or does he go with the unpredictability of Oxlade-Chamberlain on Arsenal’s right flank?
Give us your thoughts
Click HERE to see the original article. This article was first published on CleanSheetsAllRound
Written by Matthew Wood
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Tags: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Pat Rice, The Walcott
Posted in View From The Sphere | Comments (15)
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September 29th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
We need Theo simply because he wont neglect his defensive responsibilities like OX did last night. He played amazing, but Sagna looked shorthanded many times.
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September 29th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
for the sake of experience let walcot take the place
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September 29th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
theo for d experince wen tins aint working for us with him he should be subed for oxlaid no wasting of time and might remain like that if theo does not want to buy some brains
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September 29th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
I agree.. AOC did not defend as well as Theo.. Theo could sprint back to assist in defence.. and his speed could cause problem for Spurs.. Why not give Park a chance?
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September 29th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Start with OX and end with THEO.
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September 29th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
tho is just starting to show some great form
his only geting better and better no need to stop him when his done nothing wrong
alex is doing well
but his still very young he needs 1 or 2 seasion to be more a super sub like walcott used to be.
but both of them will play in the starting eleven
walcott will be more of a stiker and alex will play more behing the stikers he dose well when he gets in the middle of the field.
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September 29th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
AOC is d bst gunners signin of d summer he deserve to start d derby
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September 29th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
don’t rush the kid. if he doesn’t perform on Sunday his confidence will drop. no need for any rush decisions. Walcott should start.
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September 29th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Play them both! Play Walcott upfront with RvP. Then in midfield from
Left to right have Gervinho/Arsh, Arteta, Ramsey, AOC. Song will obviously be in defence this weekend.
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September 29th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Walcott should start. The OX is a fantastic player and might start. Other than experience and pace, The Ox is the better player. His final ball is also better. His dribbles are better. The Ox should be broken in slowly though. The final 25-30 mins should give him time to show the Scum what he’s all about! If there is space for them both, then go ahead. I wouldn’t complain at all! Having 2 speedy wingers on the go could be devastating if worked properly. People say Gervinho is quick, but is he quicker than The Ox? I don’t think he is. Any team that we put out will smash the Scum anyways! Another thing i’d like to say. Arsenal win 3 on the bounce after a very disturbing period and we STILL get slated! Why can’t people give us credit for doing so well without our former best players? If we don’t win the league, atleast we will finish higher then the Scum!
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September 29th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
We shouldn’t get carried away just because AOC scored a goal yesternight. There were many flaws in his game, principal of which was neglecting his defensive duties.
Furthermore, he gave the ball away sloppily on many occasions and thereafter would just jog after the opponent. Also he ran into blind alleys too often after running out of ideas, and he is not as pacy as we all thought. Theo would have killed that RB yesterday.
So, for all of Theo’s mistakes, he’s still miles ahead of AOC and so should start.
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September 29th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Ox has got vision, anticipation, a controlled dribbling ability, shooting accuracy, superb crossing ability and a good pace.
Theo lacks all the above except pace…. I cannot convince myself that theo’s experience has developed him into a better player as clearly he continues to make the same mistakes… AOC has to return faster to defend …. The Ox should start…..
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September 29th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
alex oc is good from start…i have watched him used as sub..he makes no impart..buth walcot is always a super sub..walcot is not good when he starts a game..alex oc dont help his defender..but he got more hold on to the ball than walcot..start alex oc..then walcot ends the game..he played more central role on wednesday…he is good in finishing than walcot
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September 29th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Pls with all this mentioning of gervinho and walcott ,are they really fit considering the injuries that kept them out of the olympiacos game.Some body tell me,ARE THEY FIT?
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September 29th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Robin van Persie made history with 100 goals. The truth the highest assist which is 26% is from Theo. That says it all. He is just more than one goal scored by AOC. Why do we always look down on the people that really matters to us. AOC will grow and his time is fast approaching but for now TW deserve the team better. He has been placed in a position that is not his natural and he is the BEST in England. Start playing as a striker that he is and you will know he has always got brain.
How can you say he lacks brain playing and breaking defence in a position that is not his natural? To me, he is indeed a great player. He should start or bring him when the defence is tired so he can cause more problems. TW
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