Thinking to do
against City and are likely to do so against Spurs given Mauricio Pochettino’s high-pressing style.
Welbeck’s game, particularly his pace, seemed more naturally suited to such an approach, an argument which gained further credence when he injected greater energy into Arsenal’s breakaways last weekend.
Welbeck only returned to the team in January after eight months out following knee surgery but he has just the solitary League goal to his name in nine appearances since.
Walcott’s more consi stent goal return — 10 in the League to date — makes him a possible candidate but Wenger would have to almost ignore last night’s performance to persevere with him and in any case, Giroud or Welbeck offer a physical presence for set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.
Sanchez excelled in a central role earlier in the season but Wenger has seemingly abandoned the idea for the time being, claiming recently his best position is operating wide off a main striker.
Three of the four of them were on the pitch at the end here as Arsenal shifted to what effectively became 42-4 in search of a winning goal.
“I finished with four at the back because when I took Gibbs off we moved to a four,” he explained.d.
“We finished with four strikers:s: Wel-Welbeck, Giroud, Alexis and Ozil, pluslus we also had [Aaron] Ramsey who iss quite offensive. We finished with fourr at the back because we absolutely had to win the game.
“We have one advantage, and that is of clarity.
“We have to win our games, soo that is why we know we cannot be happy with a 0-0 — we have to take a gamble to try to win the game at any cost.”
The same will be true White Hart Lane.
Tonight’s Manchester derby will help clarify the picturee somewhat b u t We n ge r h aa ss already claimed Arsenal have too win all their remaining games.
This was a tentative first step along that path.
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