Ian Tanner
‘Wrong, Lawro, wrong’, I thought. ‘The Ox has A LOT of everything’. Following what passes for match highlights (restricted by contract to ten minutes), Mark Lawrenson began the dissection of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s latest MOTM performance on MOTD. The ex-Liverpool defender, who has Mambo Number 5 on his iPod, had said that The Ox ‘has a little bit of everything’.
As you’d expect from the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer, Alan Shearer was closer to the mark: ‘I cannot work out whether he’s right-footed or left-footed’. Both, Alan, both. If pressed, though, I’d say right-footed and here’s why. His right-footed shots contain venom that I cannot recall (Leeds United’s Peter Lorimer was just before my time), though Brian Dawes and The Gooner’s other elder statesmen and historians might. A possible topic for a future Gooner article, Brian?
It was power rather than placement that tamed the Shrewsbury goalkeeper on The Ox’s full debut. Until he produces same with his left, for me he’s ostensibly right-footed. It’s just typical that, in this modern world, where hype routinely triumphs over substance, not more is being made of these teen flicks, long passes with slide-rule accuracy, rapid short passes, inswinging corners worthy of the name, sudden changes of pace, dribbles, Cruyff turns and goals. My absolute highlight last Saturday was the build-up to Arteta’s volleyed effort at 5-1 on 59 minutes. Great technique on receiving the ball (from Arteta), speed, power (think Norman Whiteside), trickery, both feet used and a perfect cross. That’s not to demean his maiden Premier League goal, though. Latching onto RVP’s reverse pass, his speed first took him one-on-one with Paul Robinson. Whereas mere mortals would have shot early and probably missed, we’d seen enough already to know what this ex-Saint would do next: take ball to ‘keeper’s unguarded side before passing into the goal’s unguarded portion. Simples. Barring injury, he’s a shoo-in for Euro 2012.
Our appetites were whetted by debut goals in two cup competitions, which perhaps forced Arsene, sensing supporters’ growing impatience, to state that he was “very close” but needed to work on the defensive side. Apparently he’s matured a lot since September, when he still looked a junior. Some boy. He began the move, remember, that led to our FA Cup winner against Aston Villa. All this for a mere (reported) £12 million. Southampton were surely robbed.
Why Gooner contributors refuse to rave about him, preferring instead to accentuate any and every negative, I know not. Our future hinges on a tremendously exciting, very young midfield that includes The Ox, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey. I can hardly wait.
