View From The Sphere

AOC or Theo – who should start against Spurs?

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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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15 comments

  • 9jagunnerdoc says:

    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.

  • Zac says:

    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…..

  • saintann says:

    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

  • Tnos says:

    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?

  • Flavour says:

    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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