Very good return to the first team on Saturday. In fact the best left back performance of the weekend - according to Garth Crooks
"He hasn't played many games this season, mainly because of injuries. However, when he does play, Arsenal always look far more adventurous down their left flank. There is no doubting Kieran Gibbs' technical ability, lovely poise and delightful left foot, but I do worry about his ability to stay the course of a full season. The quality of the cross for Olivier Giroud to score with his first touch of the ball was typical of the defender, and he did exactly the same moments later - only this time Mesut Ozil failed to put the ball into the back of the net when the Gunners were leading 2-1 and totally in control. This is a big season for Arsenal and it's time Gibbs came of age and made this position his own. Besides, England can always do with another good left-back."
Crooks also had Alexis in up front:
"Is there a striker who works harder than this player? He simply ran the heart out of Sunderland, picked up his two goals as a reward for his efforts and went home. I've said it before and I will say it again, to turn Alexis Sanchez into the main striker in the Arsenal line-up in the absence of Olivier Giroud was a masterstroke by manager Arsene Wenger. Theo Walcott tried it and didn't even come close to convincing anyone that he could do that job, but Sanchez looks Luis Suarez-esque. What's more, Sanchez could have the same impact on Arsenal as Suarez had on Liverpool. The only problem is now Giroud is fit does Wenger move the Chilean wide again or leave him where he is? I know what I would do."
Garth Crooks The first and last word on football
Kieran Gibbs...
posted on 31/10/16
"...to turn Alexis Sanchez into the main striker in the Arsenal line-up in the absence of Olivier Giroud was a masterstroke by manager Arsene Wenger."
Masterstroke? Hardly. People were suggesting it as an option a soon as we were linked with Sanchez 2 years ago.
posted on 31/10/16
What is he smoking? surprised to hear he is talking good about Arsenal player and Wenger.
posted on 31/10/16
HenrysCat
Despite of some criticism Wenger persisted with his gut feeling which is indeed admirable. Sanchez upfront was sort of flopped idea not long ago. I don't know how but Wenger made it work this season.
posted on 31/10/16
Sanchez upfront was sort of flopped idea not long ago. I don't know how but Wenger made it work this season.
======
Personnel changes mainly.
Iwobi on the left instead of the more direct Ox or Welbeck gives Alexis the chance to drift left, where he is naturally better.
Also first time Walcott has been used on the right since Alexis has been here, and been in form. Means when Alexis does drift left the gaps open for Walcott.
Walcotts scoring form has been essential, otherwise people would start questioning Alexis's goalless streaks - something I think will be happening throughout the season.
posted on 31/10/16
comment by HenrysCat (U3608)
posted 12 minutes ago
"...to turn Alexis Sanchez into the main striker in the Arsenal line-up in the absence of Olivier Giroud was a masterstroke by manager Arsene Wenger."
Masterstroke? Hardly. People were suggesting it as an option a soon as we were linked with Sanchez 2 years ago.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
People suggested he can the idea when he tried it at the beginning of the 2015-2016 season. Nobody suggested it when they were begging Wenger to sign any striker from Vardy, Lacazette to Remy.
Doubt Wenger will call it a master stroke but to make it seem as if Sanchez as a striker was always destined to work is dingenous.
The other aspect to note is Sanchez economical use of the ball and passing is far greater now than it ever was when he first arrived.That could also have an impact on how he has performed this season.
posted on 31/10/16
"Doubt Wenger will call it a master stroke but to make it seem as if Sanchez as a striker was always destined to work is dingenous."
Which is why I didn't suggest that and just said it wasn't really a "masterstroke".
posted on 31/10/16
DJeezus
Makes sense
posted on 31/10/16
I'm a total fan of Gibbs.
posted on 31/10/16
When both are on form Monreal is generally regarded on here as the better defender from the comments I have read, but GIbbs is faster and the better attacker.