These three players deserve a chance now, those supposedly better than them have let us down massively so far while these guys have barely had any game time, Rosicky especially.
Wenger needs to be bold like he was in 2013 vs Bayern when he dropped players like Szczesny and Vermaelen, tell the players who think they're guaranteed starters that they've got to perform to standards at minimum.
With the energy of these three in the side (or two of them at least) we'd be so much better off. Current players look tired around the 70th minute, at the very least we'd see some liveliness in the squad, for fack's sake.
Shocking depth means we can't drop a few more like we should be able to but against Villa I'd go with:
Szczesny
Chambers Koscielny Mertesacker Monreal
Arteta Ox
Sanchez Cazorla Rosicky
Welbeck
Based on the assumption that Wilshere is injured, which he probably will be. Ozil and Ramsey benched until they can start performing to the level we know they can. UnorthodOX position for Chamberlain but he has done well there before. Cazorla as the number 10 - something that we need to see more of especially now Ozil etc are playing crap. And of course, a return to 4-2-3-1. This sort of line up might not work at all but even at its worst will send a message to those currently starting every game that performances aren't good enough.
This is probably close to what we'll see vs Southampton anyway, except with the likes of Podolski, Campbell, Hayden and Ospina in too. But we need to try it now, as I really have no faith in the side that played yesterday to get three points at Villa Park.
Rosicky, Ox, Cazorla
posted on 17/9/14
Swap Arteta for Diaby.
posted on 17/9/14
Arteta should be left back at home
posted on 17/9/14
I agree, but not necessarily in the positions you have chosen.
I've been relatively impressed by rosicky when he has played a deeper role. I prefer his tackling and energy levels to that of arteta in that role. The concerns would be his discipline, and how he'd get knocked off the ball easy. Arteta is quite disciplined in his credit. But his energy and tackling in poor. For me rosicky best position is where wishere plays.
I'd play
Arteta--wilshere
Sanchez--ozil--ox
Welbeck
I would bring in cazorla now, but i'd like to see ozil given a chance at number 10. We can always bring on Caz, or ramsey in that position. But neither Ozil or cazorla should be considered on th wings, they've both proved they are c'rap there. We have players who can actually do a good job on the wing, so play them.
Against southampton
Coq--rosicky
ox--cazorla--podolski
campbell
posted on 17/9/14
Ozil needs benching before he's given his preferred role. I don't care what anyone says, his total lack of effort and driveand "Can't be bothered to play because I'm on the left" shows he's just not a team player really. We've got a diva complex with this lad and the LAST thing we need to do is turn straight around and give him his preferred position ahead of players willing to work hard no matter where they're played. Bench him a few games to adjust what appears a stinking attitude, THEN you give him his preferred role upon his return.
posted on 17/9/14
Rosicky is a big fat MUST any time he's fit and able to play. I agree that his tackling abilty probably makes him more suited to the holding role than Arteta, however his dribbling ability means we need him attacking not sitting.
I say he's a must because if ever we needed a winning streak, it's now and when Rosicky plays, we go on one.