Arsenal coasted to an easy victory in the 4th
round of the FA Cup Friday, beating Coventry City at the Emirates 4-0. The
League One side were never really given a chance at the upset as a first-half
double from Lukas Podolski put Arsenal in control of the tie, with Olivier
Giroud adding a third late on after coming off the bench and fellow substitute
Santi Cazorla crashing in his third goal in two appearances on 89 minutes. The
gap in talent was clear from the onset, with Arsenal pressing up and occasionally
playing in what appeared to be a 4-4-2 (particularly in stretch in the second
half). Podolski reminded of his talent for finishing and Giroud came on for a
15 cameo that again got him on the score sheet, with his 13th of the
campaign. Three thoughts on the game …
1. Podolski Conundrum: Since the Arsenal run began in the
second half of last season, Podolski has been in and out of the lineup, more
recently because of an injury suffered in the first game of the season way back
in August. But since returning, Wenger has been reluctant to use the
28-year-old with any regularity. Podolski, however, has shown in his last few
outings that he really adds an element down the left hand side when on the
pitch. His cutting runs, pace and finishing touch all make him a quality player
that can add goals to the team as they attempt to maintain their lead at the
top and compete in the FA Cup and, at least theoretically, Champions League.
What is he missing that Wenger often keep him out? One is his tendency to disappear
for spells of games, his inability or unwillingness to drop back and help with
defending, particularly as Gibbs likes to shoot forward and send in crosses (he
had the assist for Giroud’s goal) and his drop in form when he plays through
the middle. But performances like the cameo against Fulham, when he could
easily have scored two within 5 minutes of entering, and the two goals against
a clearly inferior side might make Wenger rethink his approach to Podolski as
the season wears on. The real problem is who to leave out if he does play, with
Cazorla, Ramsey and even Wilshere all having played in left midfield this
season.
2. Wunderkind: 16-year-old German midfield prospect Gedion
Zelalem made his senior debut in the 71st minute of the game and
immediately impressed with his silky passing, movement and positional
discipline. He is a clear prospect for the future and one of the most exciting
kids to come out of the academy in some time. With the competition in midfield
already at a premium, we should expect many more appearances this term, but
this is a kid with a bright future – as long as his development continues along
its current pace.
3. How do you solve a problem like Bendtner? After a few
decent displays for the Gunners, Bendtner was largely invisible against
Coventry, flailing two good opportunities to score and looking slow on the pace
and uninterested or most of his time on the pitch. One wonders what the future
holds for the Dutchman if Arsenal can secure a backup striker before Friday. If
rumours are true, and we do sign Draxler from Schalke, I don’t think Bendtner
goes, as the young German is out until March 1. But if we can find another
striker among the slim pickings still available, maybe it is time to finally
say goodbye to the “greatest striker (in his own mind) in the world.”
Arsenal head to Southampton on Tuesday in another must win,
though the drop in the Saints form, together with the turmoil brought on by the
departure of their Chief Executive Officer Nicola Cortese, should make it an
easier trip than might have been the case back in November. COYG!
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