The dust that had Barcelona written over it has settled with the Gunners returning to Premier League duties ahead of tomorrow’s clash with fierce rivals, Injury Manchester United.
Louis van Gaal’s side is terribly ravaged with injuries but he still managed to assemble a squad that took FC Midtjylland to the cleaners in the Europa League. Arsenal is a team that has had its fair share of injury problems too, with Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta currently at the treatment table.
However, they’d be joined by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain that suffered an injury after a collision with Javier Mascherano on Tuesday. In all honesty, it could have been an injury that would have been avoided if the Ox wasn’t too clumsy with the ball, but that has been his story this season – all direct and determined with the ball but no end product. He had a chance to make himself a hero when he was left unmarked in the six-yard box with Barcelona’s goalie on the ground but he fired a shot that gave off collective groans by everyone connected with Arsenal.
This was the season I thought the Ox was going to hit those heights expected of him but I have been very wrong. The Englishman has featured in 33 games this season and he has managed to score just two goals – the opener at the Community Shield way back in August and the match clincher against Bournemouth.
With his latest injury, the Ox is set to spend some more time on the sidelines, paving the way for either Joel Campbell and Theo Walcott to stake claims for a first team berth. Walcott will always be known for his prowess in front of goal but he has been reduced to being an impact player this season because of his somewhat peripheral performances. Joel Campbell on the other hand has shown his work rate and some measure of end product in the final third but somehow he has proved to be nothing but just a bit part squad player.
I really like the way Chamberlain loves to take on the opposition without fear but his output in the final third has always been a problem and as it stands, it doesn’t look like changing.
I’m pretty sure that Aaron Ramsey will take that spot on the right wing when a player like Santi Cazorla is fit but the Welsh Jesus continues to enjoy a run out in his preferred central role.
I wish Chamberlain all the best and I hope he recovers soon.
Sayonara