Arsenal Must Keep Oxlade-Chamberlain In The Side For Liverpool Clash – Here’s Why

Arsene Wenger is going through a bit of a midfield crisis of late. Going into the clash with London rivals Crystal Palace last weekend the French manager was without Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini, Jack Wilshere or the long-term absentee Abou Diaby. It demanded a plan to be made by the coach as to who would partner Spain international Mikel Arteta, and he duly made an exquisite decision.

Wenger opted to stick Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain in the middle of the pitch, and it worked wonders as his energetic display not only complemented Arteta’s lack of mobility but it also allowed him to score twice. The game ended 2-0 and everyone has been raving about him since.

However, that was against strugglers Palace, and next up the Gunners travel to Liverpool, so should the youngster keep his spot in the team?

It looks as though Wilshere will be available for selection again, although Ramsey is still injured and Flamini is still suspended. So Gooners, would you replace Oxlade-Chamberlain with Wilshere if he is ready to play?

I’m not so sure that I would. The way I see it is the Ox is a more athletic player than his England counterpart, and he can also close down more efficiently as he is quicker and sharper in his movement.

He’s a naturally attacking player, probably more so than Wilshere and he can burst forward and get involved with that, and with Steven Gerrard likely to be the pivot in the middle on Saturday, I think Arsenal could find some joy.

For me Oxlade-Chamberlain has the attributes that I would be looking for to start the game, and I also think he is hungry to keep up his form.