Arsenal: Drop Bendtner, Unleash Walcott And Exploit The Wings To Beat Everton

Arsenal fans must feel like they’re dreaming. They go up against Everton this afternoon knowing that a victory would see them stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points. Their extraordinary performances have impressed us all this season, but Everton have only lost once this season themselves, so it will be no easy game for the in-form Gunners. Here are three things that I would do if I was Arsene Wenger.

Firstly, I would drop Nicklas Bendtner. It may seem harsh after his goal in the week but Olivier Giroud is the man to fire them to the title. The Gunners will need a striker to really work themselves into the crowd to beat Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, something which I am not sure Bendtner can do.

Secondly I would set the team up to play on the wings. Everton’s midfield partnership of James McCarthy and Gareth Barry in the middle has proven to be a stable, organised unit and Arsenal could struggle to break that down.

To maximise their effect, Walcott needs to start. He offers something that no other Arsenal player does in the way he can burst down the flanks and offer Giroud an option. He is an essential part of my plan, as when Bryan Oviedo and Seamus Coleman burst forward, Walcott can burst beyond them and open up the gaps.

To conclude, I would drop Bendtner, unleash Walcott and exploit the wings.