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Why this forgotten man could have a huge say in Arsenal’s quest for silverware

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At the beginning of last season Arsenal had just picked up Moroccan strikerMarouane Chamakh on a free transfer from Bordeaux and on the evidence of his early season form he was being touted as one of the signings of the season, held in the same company as Rafael Van Der Vaart and Javier Hernandez. From the first day of the season, when Chamakh’s work forced an error and own goal from Pepe Reina, he looked unstoppable.

10 goals in his first 16 games for Arsenal was a fantastic record for a striker competing in his first season in English football and with Van Persie out injured, Arsenal were relying on their newly acquired goal-machine to produce the goods. After this however, Chamakh’s form dropped and when Van Persie returned to action and found his form, Chamakh lost his foothold in the Arsenal first team.

Following Robin Van Persie’s prolific end to the season, he will without a doubt be Arsene Wenger’s first choice striker in his his preferred 4-5-1 formation. Over the course of a season however, squad depth is incredibly important and Chamakh could prove to make the difference for Arsenal, if he can find his form from his early days at Arsenal.

Arsenal fans will be all too aware of Van Persie’s injury problems and I for one would be very surprised if he could make it through a full campaign for Arsenal, so cover for his position is incredibly important. Bendtner has made it clear that he wants to move elsewhere, Wenger utilises Walcott in a wide position as opposed to centrally and I believe that new signing Gervinho will also be mainly used on the wings. Therefore Chamakh seems like the only real contender for Van Persie’s position.

If he can once again show Arsenal fans that he is up to the job and not fizzle out like he did last season, then he could be the man to step in and fill Van Persie’s boots when the time comes, keeping Arsenal’s dreams of silverware alive.

Another reason for the 6 foot 2 targetman’s importance to Arsenal is that he offers the gunners another outlet when needed. To often in recent times Arsenal’s style of play has required a Plan B, when their fancy short passes and one-twos in congested areas isn’t working. It becomes frustrating to watch and this feeling seems to be emulated by the players as they hopelessly try the same things again and again. Chamakh opens the door to a more direct approach and style, making them more of a threat from set pieces and high, hopeful balls into the box which all to often is the difference between one point and three.

If Chamakh can capitalise on his obvious talents and come good at the right time, then he could be the difference between yet another disappointing campaign for Arsenal and a season to remember.

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Have a look at the ten strikers that we think will lead the race for the Golden Boot next season

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  • Walex says:

    Everythin in d world depend on time,nobody knows dis could be his season lets hope gud delivery fr him,bt 2 me he is 2 slugish

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