Piers Morgan was deservedly mocked by Twitter newcomer Gary Linekar, “I’m new to this tweeting but already I bow to your superior footballing knowledge!”, for his superfluous reaction to Arsene Wenger’s decision to remove the winger, “That substitution may cost us the League, a Champions League place, £20 million and the departure of Van Persie.”
Yet, amidst most of the drivel that Piers Morgan spouts on all things football, or at least all things Arsenal, this particular tweet, although perhaps rather rash and condemning may well prove to be the measure of Chamberlain’s weight in gold this season.
But, is this what it has come down to: an 18-year old burdened with the task of ensuring Arsenal’s run of successive top four finishes since Arsene Wenger took over continues?
“He is ready to play,” said Arsene Wenger in December, “Alex is just missing that experience at the top level,” he added, “you have to throw him a few games.” With the opportunity naturally arising, and Henry’s injury further clearing the path for his breakthrough, the time for Chamberlain is now: after Aston Villa in the fourth round of the F.A. Cup, The Gunners are hosted by 17th placed Bolton, who have only won two of their eleven home fixtures, and then welcome relegation zone occupiers, Blackburn Rovers, to The Emirates. Performances akin to the one on display at the weekend will surely secure the youngster’s starting XI slot for the remainder of the season.
At a maximum of £15m, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s purchase, which, at the time, just provided the accelerant for all that feel English players are overpriced, could prove to be a shrewd one: if Wenger does choose to hand a starting spot to the stocky yet speedy winger and as a result, achieves his 15th successive top four finish, the £20m Arsenal will receive in prize money will pay back the fee that brought him to The Emirates in the first place.
Before Manchester United secured their second victory of the season over Arsenal, Wayne Rooney told the BBC that he, “certainly wouldn’t write Arsenal off,” stating that, “they’re capable of going on a big run.” Yet, having defeated The Gunners, Rooney’s title rivals are 5 points off of 4th place and 8 off of League leaders Manchester City.
Is it too late for Alex Oxlade Chamberlain to save Arsenal’s season?
Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/
For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
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