Theo Walcott will not be the centre forward against Wigan next Tuesday according to Arsene Wenger, as the Frenchman wants to have both a goalscorer on the wing and centrally.
The Englishman demonstrated excellent composure to net after just 20 seconds on Saturday’s 1-0 victory away to Queens Park Rangers, which takes him to 20 goals for the season so far, his best tally in an Arsenal shirt.
The 24-year-old has been praised by his boss for his clinical finishing that was developed significantly since his big money move from Southampton in 2006, however he will continue on the wing as the Gunners manager looks to provide the right winning formula.
Wenger said:
He’s more mature in his finishing. [Against QPR] he scored a bit of a similar goal to the one against Man United. It’s a short backlift, he makes good runs and he’s calm now in front of goal.
You certainly remember him when he arrived – in front of goal, the ball could go anywhere. Now you see every time he hits the target. He forces the keeper into a save. That’s why his numbers are so much better.
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I use him on the flank because I try to put a player in the middle who can score goals and having another one on the flank who can score goals gives you a little bit of security. We finished with him in the middle.
Podolski has failed to make a statement so far since being played centrally in the absence of the suspended Olivier Giroud, and with Walcott scoring in back to back fixtures it was thought the Englishman may get his chance to play up front.
But utilizing Walcott out wide has worked well this season and for this reason Wenger will stick with the speedster, plus he is able to cut in and run at opponents while the central striker has to focus more on holding up the ball and distributing.
He will get his chance to play as a striker in the near future but for now Wenger has his mind set on keeping the Gunners top scorer out wide.
Do you agree with the Arsenal boss? Or do you feel he should get a run at centre forward? Personally I think he should have a crack up front against Wigan and introduce Oxlade-Chamberlain out wide. But in saying that why change a winning team?
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