Wenger wants to win the cup again
With a full fixture list of Premier League games coming this week, most teams have rested key players. Arsene Wenger, on the other hand, did not risk bringing in a flood of youngsters, and instead stuck to a reasonably strong side. Only first team regulars, Mesut Ozil, Nacho Monreal and Per Mertesacker were left out of the side, with Aaron Ramsey coming on aas a substitute in the second half.
While many fans will be prioritising the league title, Wenger seems to be targeting both – something he has not done since the 2001/02 season. The first team players paid off for Wenger, as Campbell, Bellerin, Giroud and Ramsey all played well and secured a win.
There are still many games to play, but it was certainly refreshing to see a manager still want to win every game, in spite of a heavy upcoming League fixtures.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns to the middle
Against Sunderland, we once again saw Wenger experiment with Oxlade-Chamberlain in the middle. The England international has had a tough season so far and has not replicated the scintillating form we saw in the pre-season.
Wenger has often spoken of how he sees the Ox’s future playing as a centre midfielder. We all know that he has the natural talent to play there, but he hasn’t really shown enough to fulfill Wenger’s belief. Against Sunderland, it is fair to say that Oxlade-Chamberlain had a mixed performance. He didn’t pass the ball particularly well, and never really threatened Sunderland with his pace in the first half.
In the second half, however, he was much better. The game opened up more and the Ox was able to showcase his natural pace and dribbling. Overall though, his performance still left us wondering whether he can be the mercurial central midfielder he’s touted to be.
Joel Campbell strengthens his case to be permanent starter
Joel Campbell’s Arsenal career has been almost non-existent until a few months ago. Against Sunderland, however, he again showed that he deserves to be at the club.
The Costa Rican international scored Arsenal’s opening goal, finishing well after a Theo Walcott cross.
Campbell not only showed his quality on the ball, but also his tenacity and effort to win the ball back.
He was easily the Man of the Match against Sunderland, and will surely be contending for more game time. There were rumours this month that Campbell could leave, but after today’s performance, it is doubtful he’s going anywhere but into the starting XI.
Bright future for Alex Iwobi?
Alex Iwobi was the lone Arsenal youth academy player to receive a start against Sunderland.Although a youth team player, he was one of the best players on the pitch.
Although a youth team player, he was one of the best players on the pitch.
Switching between the wing and midfield, Iwobi showed excellent pace, strength and quick feet. The youngster has had opportunities before, namely against Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday, but this was easily his best performance.
Arsenal have a host of injuries at the minute and if Iwobi can replicate the ability he showed in this game, he could possibly be working his way into the Arsenal first team squad as a regular.
Bellerin is arguably the best right back in the country
Hector Bellerin’s meteoric rise has taken another leap. The young Spaniard once again showed why he is one of Arsenal’s most important players.
Defensively, the Spaniard has improved and showed careful concentration against Sunderland.It is his attacking prowess, however that everyone marvels over. He is blessed with incredible speed and creativity going forward. He showed both of these as he provided the assists for Arsenal’s second and third goals. As the game wore on, Bellerin provided the spark to open up Sunderland’s defence and provided quality that Arsenal sorely needed.
It is his attacking prowess, however, that everyone marvels over. He is blessed with incredible speed and creativity going forward. He showed both of these as he provided the assists for Arsenal’s second and third goals.As the game wore on, Bellerin provided the spark to open up Sunderland’s defence and provided quality that Arsenal sorely needed.
As the game wore on, Bellerin provided the spark to open up Sunderland’s defence and provided quality that Arsenal sorely needed.
The 20-year-old once again was a standout performer. He is part of the reason Arsenal won and is seemingly becoming the best right back around.
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