Nela wrote:

Why can't we just play 4-2-3-1 with Theo on the right and Alexis on the left? Alexis provides so much work rate and enjoys defending so it's not like playing two Theos.

-----Welbeck-----
Alexis-Özil--Theo-

Although I think we might see Wilshere being used wide now and again too. He's an Iniesta style player who can be really well at both CM and wide.

Because it's clearly a 424. It's as likely to work as Kaka, Ronaldinho and Robinho behind Adriano. Alexis, Ozil and Theo all play as high as second strikers. It's just not feasible unless a few of them play much deeper than usual.

Last thing we need is our front 4 deeper.

It would work just fine. Sanchez as the in-betweeny one who will act as both a midfielder and a forward depending on the circumstances.

Try it out and see how it works against the small teams.

Honestly think Nela's got the team Wenger would want to play, depending on form/fitness of course. Looks pretty good to me.

I reckon Wenger's not done with shifting Özil around just yet.

Chamberlain really could do with a run of games in which he's a starter, all the chopping, changing, in and out can't be helping him at this stage.

before the season started, i was hoping he'd break out, but watching him play, his game just doesn't seem that rounded.

he's clearly not a CM - doesn't have the technique, awareness or vision for it. i've said all along that he's a wide man, but he's predictable and to me, it doesn't look like he has that extra gear that would make him a star. he looks more like a solid player, in same tier as guys like de guzman, seb larsson, ashley young, nathan dyer (not saying they're similar players).

he's not at that level yet, but having a squad player like that would be valuable, so it's not like i'm negging him.

he has a higher ceiling than those guys, but i wouldn't be surprised if he ended up with similar output as them. he's a bundle of energy and power, but his game lacks focus and he can be untidy at times. hopefully he develops further this season and doesn't stagnate

right now he's a great option to have in the squad.

Might just need a regular starting place and a spell without injuries. Think that's the solution to all the talented young players we have. He'll get his chance to push on when a couple in midfield or attack pick up injuries.

Wins us a lot of penalties though.

He's also someone who seems to do well against the bigger teams

thing is, he plays with his head down a lot, and his technique isn't excellent, which is part of what holds someone like ashley young back. ashley young is also pacey and a good striker of the ball, but the biggest thing he's achieved so far in his career is having a bird shit in his mouth.

chambo's got more to his game than young, but i feel like he might be missing something to make himself a star rather a good player.

You're too impatient, Kami. It's the same with Wilshere. They both have everything they need to become top, top footballers (to use Wenger's terminology!). It's just a matter of getting a consistent run in the team to gain the needed experience and develop without injury.

kamikaze wrote:

in same tier as guys like de guzman, seb larsson, ashley young, nathan dyer (not saying they're similar players).

he's not at that level yet, but having a squad player like that would be valuable, so it's not like i'm negging him.

Jesus christ.

I think Chamberlain's technical ability is absolutely awesome.

kamikaze wrote:

... he looks more like a solid player, in same tier as guys like de guzman, seb larsson, ashley young, nathan dyer (not saying they're similar players).

I remember someone saying that Wilshere was Aston Villa standard. I'm finding it hard to figure out which one of those two statements is the dumbest thing i've read on here. 

To be fair, I don't think there's much in it between those players and Ox at the present moment. But where were those players when they were 21? Ox stands to improve considerably over the next few seasons

Have to say the thought that Ox won't be a top player has crossed my mind a couple of times. But he's been extremely unlucky with injuries. In the beginning of last season it looked like he was going to command a starting spot in the side but then he had a 4 month spell on the sidelines. Like others say you need to have a consistent run of games to fulfill your potential. I don't think any player ever became world class by being an impact substitute.

3 games make me confident about Ox's potential: Milan at home in midfield, Bayern away last season where he was our only threat going forward and Utd at home where there was an outcry because he was substituted. He has also had a couple of impressive performances vs Liverpool. All big games where he made a decisive impact which I think bodes well.

Writing him off already as in the same class of Seb Larsson is silly.

Ox is a victim of our recent spending, 5 years ago he would have been an ever present but with Ozil and Alexis he will find his chances limited.