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
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Written by Matthew Wood
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.
for the sake of experience let walcot take the place
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
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?
Start with OX and end with THEO.
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.
AOC is d bst gunners signin of d summer he deserve to start d derby
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.
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.
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!