The WideMen

What the return of Walcott and Podolski means for Arsenal

Injury, Arsenal’s main problem, robbed the team of all the natural wingers at the same time not surprisingly but all the same unfortunate. Walcott, Podolski and Chamberlain all out. With Gervinho gone this meant the only natural winger Arsenal has is Gnabry (pronounced Ger-nar-bree). 

The trio has been missed. Walcott’s electrifying pace during counter attacks, Podolski’s turn of pace, crosses and great combination upfront with Cazorla and Giroud and Chamberlain’s pace, hard work and bursting runs into the box. The injuries indeed altered Wenger’s plan A. In his brilliant article, Robbie Savage referred to the widemen as Wenger’s plan B in a recent article but I think they were and still are Plan A. Wenger hasn’t changed his formation of preference despite the absence of the fast men. He stuck to his  4:3:3/ 4:2:3:1 formation sticking Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Rosicky and/or  Özil in those wide positions, most of the time unfruitful. This means that the fullbacks were forced further forward thus Arsenal being caught out on the counter, for example versus Borussia Dortmund at Emirates.

Walcott’s return means pace, assists, more goals, tired opponent’s defense, pinned back opponent’s defense and of course more offsides to the Arsenal stats but that is not such a bad thing. Walcott will also bring out the best in Özil as his searching through-balls will be chased by someone who can actually reach them. Cazorla will be able to play in his free role and no more Wilshere on the wings (aren’t we all grateful). Giroud will also get some quick support upfront as Walcott can take advantage of his lay-offs and knock downs.

Podolski’s experience will be welcome back. His eye for goal and his good relationship with Giroud and Santiago will be a plus. Podolski also had a great relationship with Gibbs on the left. Podolski will also help Özil settle better and they also have some good chemistry from the numerous times they  have played together for the German national team and also they do speak the same language(I bet it will be better than Mertesacker yelling to Özil all the way from defence). Podolski may however start from the bench more often than not and come in as Giroud’s sub or he may cover for Giroud at centre forward, a position he can flourish in. 

Both Podolski and Walcott will definitely bring in more assists and goals but they also bring in competition for places. This may mean that Gnabry is demoted back to reserves (I hope not). It definitely does offer more depth and options to the team which is a positive. In matches where the creativity of the team is nullified by the opponents, the pair’s pace will offer another outlet.

The Prince and 'Sign da Ting'

Till next time, ATID