Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been coy when asked whether his side can still win the Premier League title, but spoke about the importance of today’s clash with Everton at Goodison Park.
The North London side have endured poor recent domestic form that has allowed Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur to move away from them at the top of the table.
Wenger’s side were also eliminated from the Champions League in midweek by holders Barcelona, while they have been eliminated from the FA Cup by Watford.
This means that Arsenal can focus on finishing the Premier League seasons strongly, with an outside chance they could still be crowned English champions.
Wenger has stated that there will still be twists and turns in the title race and that the Gunners need to take one game at a time.
“I would say we have to go step by step – let’s get back to winning habits first, that starts tomorrow… if we win tomorrow, we’ll see. That’s our target,” the Arsenal website quotes him as saying.
“But at the moment, the only way to achieve something special is first to be realistic and humble enough to deal first with Everton.
“Things will change until the end of the season, that’s for sure. We have to take care of our own destiny, and that’s by producing the performances we expect from ourselves.
“It’s very tight, but I believe the Premier League is far from over. We are in a position where we hope for the best. I agree that a negative result would be very bad for us, but we focus on a positive result. We know now is the time for us to produce the result we want.”
Everton have proven themselves as a difficult opponent and Arsenal will need to be close to their best if they are to leave Merseyside with points.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has described comments made by Rangers players James Tavernier and Andy Halliday as “utterly ridiculous.”
After Rangers were promoted back to the Premiership after beating Dumbarton 1-0 last Tuesday Tavernier and Halliday believed that the current team was capable of beating any side in the top flight and should be competing for the title next season.
Writing in his column in the Daily Record, Sutton believes those aren’t realistic ambitions: “I saw Tavernier’s stuff and I think it was ill-advised.
“He should be keeping his thoughts to himself. Yes, maybe Rangers CAN beat Celtic but if you fail to deliver, you look stupid. If I were a Rangers player, I wouldn’t be getting carried away about winning the Championship.
“In fairness, I thought Warburton and David Weir weren’t getting over-excited. For them it was ‘job done’ but some of the stuff coming out of the Rangers players’ mouths was best kept in-house. Some of the comments have been utterly ridiculous. It’s the Championship, for Christ’s sake!”
Sutton believes that such comments will spur Celtic players to perform when they face their Old Firm rivals in the Scottish Cup next Sunday.
“If I’d been a Gers player on Tuesday, I wouldn’t have celebrated, he said.
“I would have regarded it as merely doing my job with no great elation. And if I were a current Celtic player, hearing Tavernier and Halliday coming out with absolute nonsense, I’d be half-laughing thinking: ‘Are you on the same planet? You’re playing in the Championship.’
But on the flip side, I’d be thinking, ‘You know what? We are going to ram those words so far down your throat.’”
Celtic go in to the cup tie after a 2-1 win victory over Motherwell moving them 8 points clear in the Scottish Premiership after Aberdeen lost 2-1 to Hearts on Friday evening.
Few words can describe the emotions of England fans right now. A deserved win, for sure, was snatched away from the Three Lions in the most horrific of circumstances, an injury time equaliser after all the hard work that Roy Hodgson’s men had put in.
England’s line up was pretty much the expected XI. There had been reports that Jamie Vardy would be left out of the side so it was no surprise to see him dropped to the bench. England, as per usual, started with Joe Hart in goal and the solid back four of Walker, Cahill, Smalling and Rose.
Eric Dier started in defensive midfield alongside Dele Alli and captain Wayne Rooney, while Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Harry Kane started as a forward three.
It was a strange game to say the least, as have all the games at EURO 2016 been so far. Roy Hodgson seems to have completely lost the plot with some of his decisions.
[ffc-gal cat=”euro-2016″ no=”5″]
Firstly, it is utterly ridiculous for a striker of Kane’s quality, a striker who won the Premier League Golden Boot, a striker who stands at 6ft 2inches, to take corners. Kane should be in the box on the receiving end of corners, not taking them!
Kane, however, did not exactly have a great game himself. He received little service from his team-mates but never really looked like a threat to the Russian goal. In fact, the Spurs striker did not have a single touch of the ball inside the Russia box.
Another bizarre decision that Hodgson made was the decision to substitute Wayne Rooney. The England captain has come under lots of criticism for his performances in recent years but he really showed his class tonight, perhaps the best player on the pitch. It is always a luxury to have an exciting, attacking player such as Jack Wilshere on the bench, but Rooney was playing far too well to be subbed off.
England couldn’t have been more England. The Three Lions looked so exciting as the match began, testing Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev on numerous occasions. But England were simply not clinical enough throughout, as Adam Lallana and Wayne Rooney missed some glorious chances, whilst Akinfeev kept England at bay too.
England had complete control throughout the match. In the first half England had nine shots at goal, and they bossed the midfield and possession throughout – so they thoroughly deserved to take the lead in the 73rd minute through Eric Dier’s surprise free kick.
But as per usual, England failed to keep their heads and let in a sloppy goal in the dying moments of the game through a header from Berezutski, Russia’s first shot on target since the 17th minute.
The defence was all over the place. England could have dealt with the ball but it was a fantastic header that beat Joe Hart, who could get nowhere near it, but there will be question marks over Danny Rose and Chris Smalling.
This is what happens when you don’t take your chances and England fans should be very fearful for Thursday when they face a jubilant Wales side, led by the world’s most expensive player Gareth Bale.
England have made it very difficult for themselves and have it all to do over the course of the next two matches, and if they fail to beat Wales, Roy’s boys could be on the plane home in no time at all.
After a 2015/16 Premier League campaign that saw the Reds finish eighth, an overhaul of the squad is expected as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to build a side capable of carrying out his high-energy pressing tactics.
There have been signs of improvement under the German, with two finals being reached, but with a club that prides itself in being first, losing cup finals count for little.
Klopp will already have in mind areas he wants to improve to bring some silverware to Anfield. He’s bought in Loris Karius in a bid to improve the goalkeeping and many more players are being linked with moves to join the Reds.
Another position Klopp may be looking at is centre-forward with Daniel Sturridge, although fit recently, set to have injury concerns indefinitely, Divock Origi having much to learn and Danny Ings also recovering from an injury lay-off. Throw into the mix that Christian Benteke has failed to impress the German may want to bolster his attacking ranks.
This week TuttoMercatoWeb that it could be Edinson Cavani on his way to the club as the answer, but whilst he has goalscoring pedigree he may not be what the club need.
With this in mind, we at FootballFanCast think these FIVE reasons show the Uruguayan isn’t the man for the Anfield outfit…
Too old
Football – Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain – UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg – Stamford Bridge, London, England – 13/14 – 8/4/14Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore prepare to kick offMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
At the age of 29, the former Napoli forward is beginning to enter the last few years at the top of the game. Liverpool seem to have a transfer policy of buying young players that can improve at the club and with a manager like Jurgen Klopp who also appears to believe in investing in youth, a deal involving Cavani to the Reds doesn’t seem to make sense in regards to these factors.
Playing style
Football Soccer – Paris St Germain v Chelsea – UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – 16/2/16Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring the second goal for Paris St GermainReuters / Gonzalo FuentesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
There would be doubts over the PSG man’s ability to adopt Klopp’s playing style – the German wants fast mobile players with a high work rate. Cavani certainly works hard for his teams, but he may not be quick enough to fully adapt to the way the Liverpool manager wants his players to attack.
Again with his age, the playing style cannot really be trained into him and as it won’t be natural to him either he just wouldn’t fit as well as he does at PSG.
Cost
The Uruguayan would boast a hefty price tag along with substantial wages. Whilst Liverpool could probably afford the whole package, how much of their budget would it take up? Probably almost all of it.
The Reds could buy two or three players and pay their wages for the cost of Cavani and in doing so try and get players that Klopp can train into how he wants them to play.
[ad_pod id=’euro-2016′ align=’center’]
Desire to be the main man
Football – FC Barcelona v Paris St Germain – UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg – Nou Camp, Barcelona – Spain – 21/4/15PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani look dejected after Neymar scored the second goal for BarcelonaReuters / Paul Hanna
Cavani is probably quietly happy about Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaving PSG as it means he can finally get his chance to be the main striker for the Parisian side. However, if Liverpool sign him he’ll be competing with Daniel Sturridge for the limelight and whilst both might get on in front of the cameras at least, neither would want to yield from being the main man up top and this would cause friction.
[ad_pod id=’euro-2016′ align=’center’]
Hungry enough?
Football Soccer – Paris St Germain v Chelsea – UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – 16/2/16Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring the second goal for Paris St GermainReuters / Gonzalo FuentesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
If Liverpool are to get towards the top four any time soon they need players that are hungry to play and have the desire to return the club to the Champions League. Typically younger players are better suited to do this and there’d be a question mark over whether Cavani wants to come in and have to battle to get the club up the league table when he’s used to waltzing to league titles in France.
Reports suggest that the floundering English FA are to talk to Arsenal’s manager, Arsene Wenger and to take his views on becoming the next England boss.
The question that springs immediately to mind is simply – why? The Gunners boss will not want to take the England job. He won’t have all of the things he craves and has at Arsenal. He wants complete control, and he won’t have that.
He’ll miss the day to day involvement with the players and the youth teams. The jurisdiction of being able to put over his philosophy and to instil that into a set of players that ultimately changes as players retire and receive recognition and inclusion.
There is also an element of growing support within the Arsenal fanbase for Wenger to go, as the Gunners continue to be bridesmaids rather than the bride every season. Has the magic worn away?
Without being an anti-European – Wenger is French and the national boss really should be English.
Is this just another example of the FA not knowing what they are doing and splashing around in the ocean of bewilderment without a lifebelt?
They need to be seen to be getting this decision right for a change. The no hopers at the FA need to appoint someone to lead the no hopers on the field, and what happens next will reflect on the three men making the decision.
It’s a fair bet that outgoing FA Chairman, Greg Dyke, is inwardly chuffed to bits at not being a part of the next cabaret act.
Amongst English football fans, manager and pundits, there really is no confidence in the FA.
Martin Glenn, the FA Chief Executive, FA vice-chairman, David Gill, and the technical director, Dan Ashworth are the men who will choose the country’s next manager and it was Glenn that rather inexplicably said that he was “not a football expert” at Roy Hodgson’s last press conference. No one could have said it better.
In the wake of England’s Rugby World Cup disaster, the RFU chief executive, Ian Ritchie, appointed a panel of former players, coaches and executives to report to him on the lessons to be learned from the tournament before he took sole responsibility of appointing Eddie Jones. In effect he gambled on making the right call and Glenn should arguably do the same.
In the past we’ve had the FA tell us that McClaren was always the number one choice after Scolari publicly said no. We’ve had the FA tell us that Fabio Capello was a winner and we’ve had Hodgson over Redknapp, just as Brian Clough was overlooked back in the seventies.
The FA never appear to get it right or go about it in the right way, and nothing will change for all the gloss of committees and talking to past players, managers, etc.
Anyone that should get the job, usually gets overlooked and we accept another yes man into the position and watch as hopes build during the qualifiers, only to see it snuffed out when we get to the finals.
The FA do not have a great list of candidates. Anyone of note is already in a job and anyone English would appear to be lacking in many different areas. The FA need to admit that their list is short, unexciting and limited in most respects.
Wenger is not the answer and the FA cannot afford to wait around while the Arsenal boss decides on whether to accept a new contract, with only a year left on his current deal.
For once – choose the right man for the job and lose the old school tie image.
Today’s Premier League action kicks off at 1.30pm in the form of the Tees-Wear derby.
Indeed, Sunderland play hosts to local rivals Middlesbrough in today’s early kick off at the Stadium of Light and it appears David Moyes is hoping three of his summer signings can help the Black Cats claim some bragging rights – not to mention three points.
Prodigious winger Adnan Januzaj, who famously bagged two against Sunderland on his full Premier League debut in 2013 – handed to him by none other than David Moyes – featured as a substitute against Manchester City last weekend but now makes his first start for the Wearsiders.
It’s a similar situation for Paddy McNair, also arriving from Manchester United, after coming off the bench and unfortunately scoring an own goal at the Etihad on the opening day of the season.
Likewise, famed Chelsea flop Papy Djilbodji has also been given the nod at the heart of defence, with Lamine Kone a notable absentee after reportedly rejecting a contract offer from the Black Cats, to make his first ever Sunderland appearance.
With tensions high and much expected from today’s game, Twitter’s had plenty to say on Moyes’ latest call-ups. Here are some of the best responses from social media:
The Old Firm Derby returns to the Scottish top flight this Saturday and it’s got all the makings of an absolute classic.
Indeed, both sets of fans have been waiting for this fixture ever since Rangers’ financial troubles saw them drop all the way down to the third division in 2012.
In many ways, this game has been four years in the making, as two clubs divided along political, religious and historical lines finally meet each other in the league once again.
In theory, Celtic enter this fixture as the favourites; they’re currently top of the Scottish Premiership and boast home advantage.
But Mark Warburton has assembled an exciting squad at Rangers and when it comes to the Old Firm Derby, all bets are off – it’s a fixture that almost has its own set of rules.
With that in mind, Saturday’s scoreline could well come down to who dominates the individual battles, so we’ve picked out three that could decide the Old Firm Derby….
KENNY MILLER VS KOLO TOURE
With Kenny Miller and Kolo Toure both well into their 30s, this battle will be a case of mind over body.
Indeed, Miller’s always compensated for a lack of natural athleticism with intelligence around the box, but Toure’s got the vast experience to counteract that, plying his trade with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool before moving to Celtic Park.
That being said, the Rangers striker has already netted twice this season, whilst the Hoops aren’t the strongest defensively – conceding four times in three games thus far.
Kieran Tierney vs James Tavernier
They say full-back is now one of the most important positions on the pitch, evolving into a role that requires fantastic stamina, defensive awareness and contribution going forward in equal measure.
With that in mind, the Old Firm Derby could well be decided by Kieran Tierney and James Tavernier, Celtic’s left-back and Rangers’ right-back respectively.
Both like to overlap and get involved at the other end (Tavernier scored 15 times last season), so this battle could come down to who balances their defensive and offensive duties best.
Scott Brown vs Joey Barton
A straight-up skirmish of who can be nastier without getting sent off, the midfield battle between Scott Brown and Joey Barton epitomises the Old Firm Derby.
The two have already partook in some media trash-talk so expect stud-raised shin-shattering tackles aplenty in the middle of the park.
That being said, neither Barton nor Brown are simply thugs; the Celtic captain has a knack for popping up with a goal from midfield, whilst Rangers’ summer signing has the intelligence and passing range to control the game via the ball.
This most lavish edition of the Premier League season was always likely to throw up a few shocks after the clubs competing in it embarked on an unprecedented summer spent.
Still, one of the most surprising turn events at this early stage of the campaign is undoubtedly the continued form of a man who has been playing here for over a decade now.
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is in fine fettle this season, following another brace today as the Gunners ran out 3-2 winner over Swansea City.
Much like his club as a whole, the former Southampton prodigy has always promised so much, yet failed to deliver when it mattered most in his ten years playing for the north London giants.
Though we’ve seen it all before with the 27-year-old, it’s becoming increasingly hard to ignore his start to the season, considering his seven-goal haul in all competitions.
Vocal as ever, here’s how the Arsenal fans on Twitter reacted to Walcott’s brace today.
Like most of the Spurs players, Kyle Walker has come on leaps and bounds under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino.
However, it’s international duty this weekend where the grass is not as green and the 26-year-old full-back has spoken about the changes the England national team are currently facing as well as discussing his Spurs and England teammate Dele Alli.
In the Evening Standard this week Walker asks that the England fans remain patient in Gareth Southgate’s first game in charge of the National side IF they don’t score an early goal against Group F minnows, Malta, on Saturday evening.
England are the group favourites and after Scotland dismantled Malta 5-1 away from home, England are expected to achieve similar success.
Walker admitted that against Iceland during Euro 2016, the players were guilty of being drawn into Iceland’s way of playing the game and “didn’t really have a different plan” to combat it adding that they’re hoping for much better if they face similar opposition again.
The Tottenham full back also reserved special praise for his club and international teammate Dele Alli who won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in April, like Walker achieved himself in 2012.
“It’s like he is playing in the park and it’s fantastic to see someone playing with a smile on their face, enjoying every moment,” Walker said of Alli.
Like all football players, Dele Alli suffered a slight drop in form which saw him dropped to the bench for the Spurs clash against Crystal Palace as well as the England match against Slovakia but Walker believed that the impact Alli made from the bench shows what he is capable of.
“I felt he changed the game after he came on (England went on to win 1-0). He was turning on the back foot and running at people.”
It is the sort of team spirit and togetherness that Pochettino instilled at Tottenham that England are crying out for now.
Once upon a time, Arsenal would travel to Old Trafford and almost guarantee themselves victory. Nonetheless, it’s close to a decade since the Gunners have left Manchester United’s fortress with all three points in the Premier League.
For Wenger to achieve victory in Manchester, he will be required to choose a starting XI nearing perfection. Unlike United, Arsenal are going into the contest with confidence verging on sky high.
A 1-1 draw with bitter rivals Tottenham left a worrying taste the collective mouth of the Emirates Stadium faithful, due to the Gunners’ failure to secure a win against their out-of-form bitter rivals.
Jose Mourinho faces the more difficult task of instilling belief in his Red Devils side, who have failed to secure back-to-back victories since August. It’s all setting itself up to be a blockbuster contest.
With these factors taken into consideration, a victory for Arsenal is highly possible. However, to achieve such a result, Wenger must pick this line-up to start at Old Trafford.
GK: Petr Cech
Britain Football Soccer – Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Emirates Stadium – 6/11/16Arsenal’s Petr Cech applauds their fans after the match Action Images via Reuters / Andrew CouldridgeLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account represen
Mr. Consistency for Arsenal this campaign and it’s easy to see why he’s considered one of the best in the league. Cech must ensure his ability to pluck out crosses nears perfection, due to the aerial presence Zlatan Ibrahimovic offers United.
Another huge performance from Cech could prove to be a deciding factor.
RB: Carl Jenkinson
The defender has not played for Arsenal in nearly three years following a loan spell at West Ham but Jenkinson now returns to Old Trafford, where he famously featured in the club’s embarrassing 8-2 defeat in August 2011.
His performance may further elevate his status at the club following injury to Hector Bellerin, but ring rust could catch up with the England international – who’s been sidelined through injury since last season.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
Britain Football Soccer – Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Emirates Stadium – 6/11/16Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi after the match Action Images via Reuters / Andrew CouldridgeLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for fu
Mustafi has really added to Arsenal’s backline since arriving from Valencia during the summer, offering some much-needed solidity alongside Laurent Koscielny.
One of his biggest challenges of the season will occur this Saturday, however, with either Ibrahimovic or Marcus Rashford due to lead the line for the Red Devils.
It’s difficult to deny the partnership he has formed with Koscielny, but the duo will be required to be fully alert against a hurting United side.
CB:Laurent Koscielny
Rarely does Koscielny not save his best performances for the biggest occasions. The Frenchman is arguably Arsenal’s most valuable player and will need to remain on high alert this weekend.
Koscielny remains win-less at Old Trafford as an Arsenal player but will undoubtedly be keen to end that terrible record on Saturday by keeping United’s attacking cast quiet.
According to Whoscored.com, he’s been the Gunners’ second-best performer in the Premier League this season after Alexis Sanchez.
LB: Nacho Monreal
Britain Soccer Football – Arsenal v Middlesbrough – Premier League – Emirates Stadium – 22/10/16Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore in action with Arsenal’s Nacho MonrealReuters / Hannah McKayLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for furt
Monreal’s season cannot be criticised as his consistent performances continue to keep Kieran Gibbs sidelined. Only when the Spaniard drops in form can Gibbs dream of returning to the first-team on a regular basis.
At Old Trafford, Monreal will face the difficult task of containing Juan Mata. The Spaniard has never been the quickest but he’s a real magician with the ball at his feet and always causes problems when given the chance to cut inside.
CM: Granit Xhaka
The player Arsenal have been missing for more than a decade; Xhaka has already proven worthy of his sizeable price-tag.
His ability to break down opposition attacking displays may prove decisive against United, with the likes of Paul Pogba looking to maraud through the middle of the park.
If Xhaka can become the most dominant force in midfield through his tenacity and passing ability, Arsenal are likely to walk away with three points.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
Football – Burnley v Arsenal – Barclays Premier League – Turf Moor – 11/4/15Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey celebrates scoring their first goal with Olivier GiroudReuters / Andrew YatesLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Remember those world-class performances at Euro 2016? Its time Aaron Ramsey started producing them at club level in Arsenal’s highest-profile fixtures – starting with this weekend.
The Welshman’s ability to go from box-to-box is a unique style of the modern game and a confidence-filled Ramsey could be the difference against United – if he provides the necessary drive, goal threat and flair from the middle of the park.
That’s a big if, however, with the midfielder still on the mend after a lengthy injury layoff.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
Football Soccer – PFC Ludogorets Razgrad v Arsenal – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group A – Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria – 1/11/16Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring their third goal Action Images via Reuters / Paul ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
If there is one criticism of Mesut Ozil, it’s his knack of going missing when it comes to major Premier League games.
The playmaker’s form is certainly something to write home about, however, with three Premier League goals already this season, and United must be cautious in how they attempt to contain the German.
A goal or trademark assist would be highly welcomed by Gunners supporters. The attacking midfielder has notched up six strikes and three set ups in his last nine outings across all competitions.
RW: Theo Walcott
For the best part of a decade, supporters have been desperate for Walcott to produce goals and assists on a consistent basis – something worthy of his astounding ability.
But we’re starting to see some evidence of the England man finally unleashing his full potential, with nine goals already this season and some fantastic performances to boot.
Against United, Walcott will be keen to add to his haul and he certainly has the natural pace to cause problems for a somewhat static Red Devils side.
LW:Alexis Sanchez
Britain Football Soccer – Arsenal v PFC Ludogorets Razgrad – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group A – Emirates Stadium, London, England – 19/10/16Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring their first goalAction Images via Reuters / Andrew CouldridgeLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
There have been rumours of a lengthy injury layoff but fear not Gunners faithful – the Chile international scored for his country during the international break to remain high on confidence.
Sanchez’s record against United cannot be faulted, with two goals in five appearances versus the Old Trafford outfit, and Saturday’s contest should be close to normal proceedings.
The South American has flourished in the centre-forward role this season but we’re tipping him to start on the wing to make room for more attacking threat.
ST: Olivier Giroud
Football Soccer – PFC Ludogorets Razgrad v Arsenal – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group A – Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria – 1/11/16(L – R) Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud celebrates at full timeAction Images via Reuters / Paul ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Wenger has made some strange decisions in the past, but his continuous selection of Sanchez as the sole striker must cease.
Giroud’s red-hot form is evident, with three goals in his last three appearances, and against a somewhat shaky United back four, the Frenchman is capable of causing further damage – particularly in the air.
Furthermore, United possess an overtly physical side, so Giroud’s ability to bring the ball down and others into the game could prove crucial this weekend.