Fresh Arsenal understands that Theo Walcott is unlikely to be fit enough to start against Sunderland on Saturday after suffering an injury.
With that being the case, it is likely that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will come in and start on the right wing. He played in that position against Reading in midweek and scored two goals, those two goals helped his team reach the quarter finals of the English League Cup where they will host Southampton.
‘The Ox’ has always been a little rough around the edges but aged 23, now is the time for him to step up. Whilst he continues to frustrate at times, the early signs are good this season as he has scored 5 goals in all competitions already, that’s more than he has managed in any entire season previously.
After two goals in midweek, the Ox is likely to get a chance from the start on Saturday and he needs to show how he can deliver consistently. He’s now starting to develop a goal scoring instinct and that needs to continue into the Premier League.
Ox can view Walcott as a bit of a role model. Both players came into this season with many fans frustrated at their lack of productivity in front of goal. Walcott has improved that massively this season and also improved his defensive work rate. This is another area where The Ox needs to improve. He needs to be more disciplined defensively and ensure he doesn’t give the ball away in dangerous areas. Ox needs to look at how Walcott has improved that side of his game and also how he is becoming more efficient in front of goal.
After his 2 goals in midweek and with Walcott now likely to miss tomorrows game, Chamberlain is getting his first big chance of the season. Aged 23 and after 6 years at the club, his chances are running out – he now needs to step up.