For me, having watched Miyaichi last year at Feynoord and Oxlade-Chamberlain this season so far for England and Arsenal, they are clearly both great talents, with loads of potential. I also think in terms of out and out wingers these two are better suited to that role, than the two/three current players currently occupying said role (Walcott, Gervinho/Arshavin). I think alot of people have the misconception that this means that the 5 of them will be competing for these two places, I dont think this is true, and I also think this is something Wenger has missed out in the early season. Walcott on the right, and Gervinho on the left, I believe can be more deployed as inside forwards supporting a single target striker (RVP), infact even as Second Strikers when the team advance into the final third. Playing balls into the target man and running through to pick up 1,2s. This I see playing into Walcotts hands greatly, his biggest weakness is his crossing delivery. His timing, his pace, his acceleration, his vision, and his awareness of space are assets he has, and something that lends itself more to an Inside forward or Second Striker role, and his finishing is certainly good enough for it (if the past two seasons are anything to go by). Gervinho also has great turn of pace, and a good ball skills that lend himself to cutting inside and finishing off moves (as we saw during pre season). Miyaichi and Chamberlain look to have great pace and acceleration (comparable to Walcotts), but Miyaichi has greater ability to run at high speed with total ball control, and Chamberlain has looked like he possess that as well (although have really yet to see him breakaway). Their delivery from crosses looks to be better than their respective position players (certainly Chamberlains looks well above Walcotts), and well Gervinhos is good, but I think better suited to the aforementioned role. Where this actually has an impact is it gives Arsenal an unpredictability, and it actually allows us to utilise the strengths of more players (something I think Wenger has really missed so far). It allows us to play 4-4-2, 4-1-2-2-1. 4-5-1, very interchangeably, and allows us to surprise teams. It will also provide better support for RVP (who I see as the main striker in any formation Arsenal put out), in different situations, whether we can utilise height in Chamakh, or just all round ability in Park, or someone to run off behind a high defence in Gervinho and Walcott. Also Miyaichi and Chamberlain I think are slightly superior in defence, and it would definitely be a good thing to see an Arsenal team defend a lead late on (something that I can't watch, or know that inevitable equaliser will come). Some of the biggest failures is when Wenger fails to change personnel to suit the opponent or the occasion, something that Ferguson tends to get spot on. Using the squad in this way, can only help Arsenal improve, we definitely have the attacking force to score goals, if used in the correct ways, definitely enough to compete for that 4th place this season. What do you guys think about this situation? Do you see their being competition? Or see these players fulfilling different roles?
Good article I think Walcott plays much better as an inside right, rather than a winger. Gervinho, the same, but on the other flank. I don't think we've seen enough of Miyachi yet to see what he's capable of, but he is certainly lightening quick and can travel at that speed with control of the ball. Out of the bunch, I think Oxo is the most exciting player, he looks like he has got it all in his locker, strength, pace, power and an eye for goal. I think you're right in pointing out that it's down to Wenger to bring the best out of the combination of these players, by employing the right formations. I think we stick to 4-3-3 far too often, and make it easy for the opposition to break down our game plan.
Yes, exactly, I do think we have a good enough quality of players to compete for top 4, but Wenger over recent years hasnt used these players to his fullest advantage. He brought in the 4-1-2-2-1 formation, and then hasnt changed it at all, hasn't changed it for different opposition and expected the teams to go out and win every game, because they are "better", being better individually means squat if the opposition knows exactly whats facing them, and has tactics to completely counter everything to their advantage. I think this has culminated from lack of change in the back room.. I for one was disappointed when Pat Rice didnt retire, simply because change WAS needed, and Wenger at the start of this season, needed someone to tell him things other than yes that idea is good. (not that I know the inner workings of the Rice/Wenger relationship). Its pretty clear from the fans who follow Arsenal closely, that its the backroom staff stopping Arsenal from winning trophys as well as the players not performing at critical times. We have the quality available, it just needs to be recognised by the coaches, and developed into the game.
After watching Oxlade-Chamberlain play for Saints I can tell you he is two footed and has a much better cross than Walcott. He is a massive talent for you guys. He can also play in the centre as he was originally a play maker in our youth sides. Pace to burn and a good finish, an England call up will soon follow plus plenty of hype.
