RVP Loss, Another Man's Gain

Good evening, Gooners

I thought I would address the fear of a potential long-term loss of Robin Van Persie. This term RVP has played in 11 Premiership matches and contributed a hardy 7 goals, but also 7 assists. 21 points in 11 games is fantastic form; of course, this contribution will be missed for 4-6 weeks ...but with loss of fitness and such I bet it is more likely to be 8 weeks.

The most likely player to fill RVP's boots is Eduardo. I would have thought before this season that the 4-3-3 would be best served by a tall, holding center striker but RVP doesn't have that body type and it has worked out well. Originally, I thought Bendtner would be the center, holding striker for the 4-3-3 but he hasn't been used in the area, not even once. Unfortunately, we won't see B52 in the middle due to injury so, Hello, Eduardo!

Eduardo is the classic 'fox in the box', often getting behind defenders, making diagonal runs; poaching deflected shots for goals. Eduardo hasn't been able to get too many matches in the side thus far but in 8 Premiership matches he has 1 goal and 2 assists. Not really a bad return for only starting 3 matches.

Eduardo looks small but only gives up 2" to RVP as well as 6lbs. To me both physical stats are minor since RVP has not regularly been receiving balls in the air, nor holding large defenders at bay. It's hard to tell which striker is out-and-out faster but if I had to bet I would say Eduardo is quicker over short distance but maybe not as fast as RVP over a longer sprint. Again, for the way the center striker has been used in the Arsenal 4-3-3 I think this comparison is minor.

Both strikers are very good at distributing the ball to others who have a better opportunity to score, and both could battle for the honor of club's best finisher. Lastly, both strikers are 26-years-old with similar big stage experience. Eduardo will slot in one-for-one for RVP.

At the end of the day, Eduardo has been behind in the pecking order due to injury and RVP's form. And now Eduardo will get his opportunity to show his quality. I am confident that RVP's injury may prove more of a blessing in disguise than anything. Eduardo will get a string of matches he may not have got if RVP was fit, and RVP will come back into the side by late January's matches versus Villa Away; IOU at Home; February's Away match to Chelsea. Now, if RVP comes back into the side before those crucial ties it will be welcome but, at worst, he'll be available for selection by then.

Fortunately, team sport championships are not won nor lost by individuals. Teams with depth can respond to the loss of a teammate due to injury. Personally, I feel this Arsenal squad has enough to maintain a challenge till the end of the season, even if Arsene doesn't buy in January. If Eduardo fails to pick up the form that RVP had then there are options like Vela, and fit-again B52 who could be used as center strikers. If necessary, and likely for distribution purposes, both Nasri and Diaby could be used to hold the ball and pass to the wing-strikers.

I'm not going to worry about the loss of RVP but look forward to seeing other players take their shot and show their quality. Arsenal have so many attacking options that I will remain optimistic and place my hope in RVP's speedy recovery.

ArsenaLOS