Just days after the 8-2 mauling by Manchester United, the club’s seemingly wise French boss Arsene Wenger appeared to identify the need for a back up to Robin van Persie, and swooped for Park Chu Young in a somewhat bizarre move. Not much was known about the South Korean, who was tied up with a few hours remaining on deadline day for a fee believed to be around £2.5 million. He was experienced, a good age at 26, and had a decent scoring record in Ligue 1 (25 goals in 91 games for Monaco) – it was a low risk investment, which ultimately failed to pay off.
While his international form continued to impress, Park’s domestic form and opportunities were somewhat underwhelming. An excellent performance in the League Cup against Bolton, where he curled a beauty into the far corner, began to create some optimism within the Arsenal fanbase, with Park himself rewarded a Champions League start against Marseille. However, he failed to inspire and despite being joined up top by van Persie, the match finished goalless, perhaps a metaphor for Park’s Arsenal career. He was then given another opportunity against Manchester City in the next round, but again, despite forcing an excellent save from Pantilimon, it was clear that he was not in the mould of an Arsenal striker.
The idea that Park was signed in order to boost Arsenal’s activity in the far East was further strengthened by the teams he made appearances against. A fourth choice striker specifically used against the likes of AC Milan and Manchester United? It couldn’t be right.
Park’s unprolific maiden season appeared to damn him. Sent on loan to Celta Vigo, injuries and bad form led to just three goals in 21 games. The former Arsenal man’s last appearance, to expand on the previous point, was against Chelsea in the League Cup – before moving on an unsuccessful loan spell to Watford, which later led to his release after three years with the club…and just the single goal.
