In this same class is Gervinho. These two players seem to have the managers blessing, but the presence of one of the two weakens the team’s potency greatly. Because of Gervinho’s running, he is best to come on as a sub, to threaten opponents who seem to chase the game to the death.
Beyond Wenger’s team selection, his choice of player position is another issue he must adapt. We were so lucky to see Podolski do not so well in the Euros due to his position. He was made to play as a winger, having to protect the left full-back, a move that left him burning energy for the team as opposed to focusing on supporting the striker. It is bizarre to see Wenger not heed that warning and still play Podol out wide left. If you must play Giroud and Podol, try playing them as a two man strike-force and with both players hardworking, you’d get more joy with them as such. Podolski has proven to be a good finisher overtime so playing him or Giroud out on top is an option the boss must tinker a lot with.
On the flanks I’d like to add that this present crop of players consists of only two effective wide-men who can really create something for the strikers – Walcott and Chamberlain. They have both proven they can be the wings of the team yet Arsene doesn’t always give them the nod. Theo has grown in leaps and bounds and it will be a big disaster to the club losing that raw pace and finishing. It’s unacceptable to see Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho deployed as the striker and Theo is not allowed the chance. Buying Wilfried Zaha would be good but not as a replacement for Theo. If Podolski can be given £110,000-a-week, then why not Theo?
Chamberlain on the other hand has proven to be an even better all round midfielder, both offensively and defensively, and as such should always be in the starting eleven, barring any injuries or fatigue. Playing Ramsey is bad enough, playing him out wide at the expense of Theo or Ox is just unforgivable.
Another man for the wide berth is Carzola. He is quick, ambidextrous, intelligent and decisive. Moreover, he was a wide-man during his time at Villarreal. Moving Carzola wide might seem like a bad move but in doing so he can be given a license to cut in and play with the central players, hence nullifying one wing and affording the other wide-man in Theo or Ox to switch often. Carzola, in fact, doesn’t have the mentality to dictate a game like Cesc Fabregas or Xavi does. He may be a very versatile and creative player but the present crop needs a kingmaker who will dictate the tempo of play.
With the recovery of Rosicky, its hi-time Arsene reinstated the Czech man into the centre of play with Arteta, Wilshere and Coquelin, the other competitors in the midfield, while we await the return of Abou Diaby.
