Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes that the key reason for his performances this season has been down to a change in his role on the pitch for the Gunners.
Whether on the wing or in central positions, Oxlade-Chamberlain says he always looked to pick up and run with the ball from deep positions. This season he decided to use his pace in behind teams by making runs in the final third.
“In the past maybe where I’ve been more of a midfielder than a forward, I was more used to coming to the ball and wanting to get the ball, so I was picking up the ball maybe in deeper positions and not in behind the defence, which is obviously where you’re the biggest threat.
“This year I’ve just worked mostly on making runs in behind and just trusting the boys to find you with balls over the top. That’s when you unlock them and when you’re most dangerous so I think for me personally, what I’ve worked on the most this season is not coming towards the ball as much.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s own future is very much up in the air. The 23-year-old has just 18 months left on his current deal but the Evening Standard have reported that the England international has not had talks with the club over a new one yet.
His performances this season may help persuade the Arsenal hierarchy and Arsene Wenger that he deserves a new deal. In 27 matches this campaign for the Gunners, the winger has scored six goals and provided six assists.
