Arsenal versus Leicester always invokes memories of Dennis Bergkamp scoring 3 of the best goals to have ever graced the Premier League. It was a hat trick fit for the grandest stadiums in the world; That it was scored at Filbert Street, Leicester Citys muddy, old, decrepit shack took nothing away from the glory and only served to highlight the quality of the Premiership and of course the magician Bergkamp.
How Arsenal could do with the non-flying Dutchman right now as Olivier Giroud starts what is sure to be a lifetime in the treatment room. The big question is who will replace the big Frenchman?
Sanchez filled in ably against Besiktas, scoring the winning goal and putting in a man of the match display. But as a target man I don't believe that Alexis is the answer. His selfless running and enthusiasm is a joy to see and absolutely infectious. You could see that both Cazorla and The Ox followed suit on Wednesday. He certainly is an exciting option going forward but his best position is to attack from deep, running at the opposition and putting the fear of God in their defence.
Alternative options up front is Sanogo, Campbell and fans favourite Podolski. Neither Campbell nor Sanogo have actually scored a competitive goal for The Arsenal but both have been tearing it up in training recently according to Aaron Ramsey.
Podolski has been in the press recently for his rather obscure Instagram comments which inferred a willingness to move in the current transfer window but Wenger put paid to that suggestion by saying Poldi is going nowhere. As a World Cup Winner this is the time for him to show the young pretenders that he is the man to take on the goal scoring burden.
Another World Cup Winner that needs to show his true class is Ozil. He still seems lightweight at this level and compared to Sanchez, lazy. Stats show that at Madrid he rarely finished a match, devastating the opposition with his pin point passing and supreme control before tiring and being replaced after 70 mins. With the imminent return of Walcott (due back after the International break), Arsenal should soon see the best of Ozil.
For Sundays game Arsenal welcome back Ramsey from his European suspension but Arteta is still out injured. No other injury concerns mean that Wenger has a decision to make as Cazorla, Wilshere and The Ox all looked very sharp and would be unlucky to get dropped. The more game time for the England duo the better it, seems, and Santi is looking more and more like the supreme player he was 2 seasons ago. On form, ὂzil should be dropped. Will Wenger make that call?
Other than Gibbs who is still injured, the defence should be as it was. If anyone needs a rest then Calum Chambers will be drafted in. You could argue that he would be unlucky not to start anyway going on current form. The boy looks a real class act and has all the calm and presence on the pitch as a young Franz Beckenbauer.
I believe that he could do the holding midfield role easily and excel in the position. Who needs Khedira?
3 points against the Foxes on Sunday should be par for the course but Leicester will be desperate to win their first match of the season and it won’t be easy.
Should they succeed in keeping a clean sheet against the Gunners, be ready for a glut of panic-buying headlines on deadline day on Monday and the pressure on Arsene to spend again will increase to fever pitch.
@georgiesbest101
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