The encounter between Arsenal and Stoke, after the international break, can be best summed up as follows. Empty seats, Stoke go close, Ozil goes missing, Ramsey abused by Stoke fans, boos at halftime. Second half: Ozil majestic, Ozil trips over, Aubameyang converts the subsequent penalty. Aubamayang scores a superb goal, Lacazette is then brutally bundled off the ball and scores from the spot.
In short, Arsenal were under par while Stoke were determined and resolute for the majority of the match. It was only after Wenger bought on the subs that things really started to happen. Mkhitaryan looked aggrieved at being rested and got himself into positions that the Gunners could have profited from. He was always looking for space and could have easily got on the score sheet. This bodes well for their next European excursion against CSKA Moscow.
The final score was flattering to say the least and it was particularly harsh considering Stokes contribution, but let’s not forget that it gave the North London club another important 3 points, a clean sheet and kept the side on its current winning streak.
There were a couple of major pluses to be derived from the performance that should have Arsenal fans salivating about next season. Lacazette replaced the ineffective Welbeck and at times, one can’t understand Wenger’s belief in a player that delivers goals so infrequently.
The Frenchman’s arrival on the pitch meant that Aubameyang traipsed out to the left, while Lacazette adopted the traditional striker role. Both were on form, Lacazette in particular, as he pushed, probed and threatened a nervous Stoke defence, who’s saving grace was in the form of Jack Buckland. Had it not been for the Stoke goalkeepers heroics, the score could have even more flattering.
Arsenal fans have been waiting to see both strikers in the same side and questions were being asked regarding their ability to compliment each other. Well, we now know the answer, they look extremely good, even when the team are off the boil and the promise of what could be, is extremely exciting.
One feels that with Aubameyang’s pace and predatory nature, he will always be able to create and shape his own opportunities. Out of the pair, he is more in the Henry mould and his goal return will certainly be a healthy reward on a steep investment. Lacazette is essentially a striker that links up with the attack and normally looks to finish off the move with his name on the scoresheet. He has exceptional movement and is quick to assess the options in front of him.
The fact that Lacazette is fit for the Europa league is a considerable relief and it is an opportunity that the Frenchman must grasp to force his way into Wenger’s thoughts. Lacazette and Aubameyang will cause anyone a problem with their differing styles but they are, no doubt, a force to be reckoned with.
If the strikers are to play together regularly for Arsenal, perhaps the biggest conundrum is who will the midfield consist of? Ozil and Mkhitaryan are creative going forward but both will offer little resistance when the opposition go from defence to attack, so it will need 1 or 2 players who are capable of helping with defensive duties but who are equally able to build and support in attack.
A holding midfielder of some stature and presence is still required and the back line needs attention, but from the middle of the park to the front, Arsenal are a mouthwatering prospect. I was even impressed with Elneny, who on occasion showed real commitment and desire. Perhaps his contract extension has put a bit of extra fire in his belly and that has been long overdue. He looks slightly bemused when he gets an opportunity in the box, but his desire to support and play upfield made him a joy to watch.
If Wenger was waiting for the right opportunity to play Lacazette and Aubameyang, then this was it. He will surely have been impressed in the way they competed and the genuinely selfless attitude of each, especially Aubameyang who refused the chance of a hat-trick to accommodate his partner. There are pieces missing from the puzzle but finally, Arsenal have a strike force that looks and feels right. Wenger might use this part of the season to experiment slightly to build the foundations for next and if he is brave enough , it may pay dividends.
