Selection Woes

Good afternoon, and Happy Labor Day/No Fucking Work Day! Yes!

Right.

I was having a twitter discussion with @usofarsenal regarding Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, and Samir Nasri's return to action. TW14 and TR7 may be available vs Man City with Nasri likely back late September/early October. The two of us concluded that the Arsenal may actually, ahem, have a selection issue when all these players are back.

Preferably, I would like to see TW14's direct speed utilized in a striking role. Since TW14 is not a cheeky footballer and I feel he is wasted on the wing; he can't really beat players with a Cunaldo-like pedalada, nor deftly deek and jink his way around large, angry defenders like Evra. I understand that he is seemingly a good fit for the wing because of his speed but if he can't beat a player cleanly with a sound move then I think he would be better off receiving a ball into space that he can run onto, take a touch, and finish. TW14 has proved in the past that he can blaze down the sideline in a winger role but I would much prefer the use of his speed in a direct way. Since he's simply not built for the wing in terms of break through, separating moves, and the Arsenal have plenty of midfielders. I think it is time for him to be used as a Striker.

I think TR7 should be used as a sub. I don't think the Arsenal should risk him from a start of a match. Poor Rosicky has been out for so long that he needs to be eased back into action, and that includes lack of playing time. I understand that he is a creative threat but what better way to utilize his talent but to use him late in matches when minds and legs are tired? TR7 could come on with 30minutes to play and completely change a match with his vision, and scoring prowess. For example, after the own-goal by Diaby vs United, Rosicky, if fit, could have been brought on with 30 minutes to go. The threat of him seeing a pass, or creating a goal late in the match could be a difference maker. Plus, for the opposition, it presents the manager with the task of having to defend fresh legs and/or counter with an attacking option of his own. If the opposition counters one-for-one than advantage Arsenal. Time will tell so here's to hoping that we see TR7 back in some influential role.

And lastly, Nasri had been rumored to be an option as a holding midfielder. With Song's imminent departure for the African Cup of Nations Nasri may slot in to partner with Denilson. Nasri is a versatile footballer and he could be deployed on either wing but since Arsene did not spend on the holding midfielder he may be seen as an option in this role. In my opinion, I doubt we'll see Nasri in a central role unless injuries are present or unless AW goes back to the 4-4-2. Nasri will likely share time and matches with Arshavin in the current formation and cycle in with other midfielders, either on the right or tucked behind the central Striker. In reality, and at the beginning, I think Nasri will be happy to play anywhere, for any minutes coming back from his broken leg.

For once, and dare I say it, since the Invincibles I feel that the Arsenal may have some selection woes. There are so many midfielders that can play in an attacking role, either centrally or wide. AW will have to balance each player's abilities per match, per opposition. For some matches, AW may need to deploy more physical players while versus others he may need more technique, more speed. Fortunately, the squad we have right now are versatile and willing to play multiple positions; we are also fortunate that AW is the best individual to manage young, egotistical minds. AW's open and thoughtful personality will likely allow him to tinker with positions and formations to fit the individual match, and I don't expect too much player backlash because of this understanding. The players appear to be equally willing to play in any position the boss wants, and it's this collective understanding that will allow the manager more freedom than in year's past. The selection woes aren't woes at all...but options.

ArsenaLOS