3 – We’ve Got Our Favourites… But!
Sure, we’ve got pretty used to seeing the same line-up week after week in the Premier League, but today was proof that Wenger could make changes and stick by them.
Gibbs and The Ox both popped up with an assist at crucial times, and it’s their attacking ability that really shone through against a Sunderland side that had backs to the wall.
Wenger’s got a difficult task choosing his starting XI for the North London derby but when was the last time we could say that with confidence?
The fact is these are fringe players that are coming into the side, playing for their place and doing a good job of keeping the first-choice names out on the sidelines.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has looked like a different player this season and I think the England omission was a wake-up call to both him and Walcott that not everything is on a plate.
As for Gibbs, he’s done just as good a job as Monreal if not better, so Wenger will have to decide who is in line to start mid-week against Ludogrets with next Sunday in mind.
What makes me happiest is that it’s no longer a case of throwing players into the team that will cover some gaps, there’s quality in every position no matter who’s there.
Are Gibbs and Ox ready for a big occasion like the NLD? In my eyes, I’d still go with Walcott and Monreal but if they continue to show us what they’ve done vs. Sunderland then Wenger can certainly justify his reasons without the Arsenal fanbase screaming at him.
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