Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on target for Arsenal even in the midst of uncertainty regarding what the Liverpool attack had in stock.
Both teams met in the first game for the sides in the Premier League this season with the Reds ripping the Gunners apart with four goals in a space of minutes. Arsenal started the encounter with a goal from Theo Walcott in the right wing, sending fans wild. After the response from Jurgen Klopp’s boys, Oxlade-Chamberlain did a penetrative run, sliding creatively past two defenders, beating another in the box before scoring a wonderful solo effort.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was out injured for a long while, raising questions as to why Arsene Wenger maintains his steadfastness in the young player.
“He gives us power and penetration – he has it all. That’s why I would like him to get to the level he can go to. Maybe he doesn’t completely believe himself how good he can be and that’s the final step for him;” that was what Wenger said regarding the 23-year old former Southampton midfielder. While it is commendable what Wenger is doing with the young and talented players, the club has suffered from their fragility and inexperience.
The player joined back in 2011 and has been holding a permanent spot in the squad since breaking in due to his impressive spread of skills but his injuries has been affecting the club. In 2014, he was only 20 but endured the season interrupted by injuries. In 2015, he re-established himself as the first choice right winger but ended the season injured yet again. He has just seven goals and 49 Premier League starts after five years.
In the last five years, Arsenal have only released three players while their rivals like Man United have done away with players like released Newcastle player Gabriel Obertan, others like John O’Shea, Park Ji-Sung, Wilfred Zaha, Michael Keane, Darron Gibson and others. The Red Devils might not have won trophies annually since then but they have showed progress in changing things. In Arsenal, Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs remain. Jeremie Aliadiere was at the club till he was 24 years despite just a goal to his belt. Oxlade-Chamberlain may have returned and showing the stuff he is made of but the question is for how long before he goes on vacation yet again.
