Arsene Wenger has reinforced his belief in Arsenal wingers, Theo Walcott and Andrei Arshavin as they look to revive some playing time at the club. Wenger has assured the players that their improved goal scoring may be rewarded with a more central role. Walcott and Arshavin have both shown what they can bring to the Arsenal attack when they are positioned through the middle rather than their normal flanking positions.
The League Cup match against Coventry City allowed both players to showcase what they have to offer at the Emirates and Wenger was quick to defend the duo who have come under criticism of late.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Wenger said, “I am not against it [Walcott playing forward], not at all. We will try. At the moment we have a big competition up front, we have a different formula and the team is doing well.
“His time will come for that and at the moment we have to be a bit patient. He is a great finisher now, Walcott, in front of goal he is absolutely amazing.”
When asked about Walcott’s future, Wenger said, “We all want him to stay. I always said exactly the same. I always said let’s hope that we can sign up and extend [his contract]. I speak to Theo of course. To his agents? We are always in touch with them and you have to give us some time to sort that out.
Wenger also held praise for Arshavin and believes the Russian is making a comeback in his new found central position.
“Arshavin’s best position looks to be behind the striker now because that’s where his vision, the creative side of his game, can be very efficient. When he has to work on the flank it is sometimes working against him because he has to work too hard up and down. But when he’s central he always had an influence on the game.’
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At last Arshavin is getting to have a fill of the position he had always played in before he arrived at Arsenal. This is hoping that Wenger would be more trusting and continue to try him in this central position and also hoping that Arshavin would repay that trust with blistering performances.
Theo should also have his chance, and if he can prove that Wenger was wrong in continuing to play him out wide, then it will all be great for the team. With these two plus Giroud, Podolski and Gervinho all competing (a healthy competition I would say) for the limited positions up front, Arsenal would have the kind of depth up front that we’ve all been yearning for .