The Arsenal manager spoke to the press today ahead of the trip north to face Sunderland in the Premier League tomorrow, as reported by The Mirror. And I don’t think that Arsene Wenger needed to stretch his tactical acumen too far to realise that the home side may well concentrate on their defending after being huniliated by conceding eight goals at Southampton last weekend.
Wenger said, “I think the result (losing 8-0 at Southampton last weekend) will have strengthened their resolve to put on a better performance.
“The danger is that they now focus very hard on defending and that we get very few openings.”
And the Frenchman also suggested that Theo Walcott was not quite ready yet, at least not to start the game. So what the Gunners need, with Danny Welbeck’s pace and Alexis Sanchez’ dribbling and energy, is a striker who is likely to finish any chance that comes his way. Can you think of anyone in the Arsenal squad that fits the bill?
Lukas Podolski’s last minute winner against Anderlecht as well as the poor performance by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Hull City make Wenger’s decision much easier as well. And the absence of Jack Wilshere because of suspension means that Santi Cazorla should play in the number 10 role.
And the manager suggested the other day that the reason the German striker had not been playing more was because he was working on his fitness, which is now match ready.
So does anyone doubt that Podolski should start at the Stadium of Light?