Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil are two of the Arsenal players that were most in need of a good rest during the international break and Arsene Wenger would have been hoping for them both to be fresh and raring to go for the crunch game with Liverpool.
But Ozil played 90 minutes in both of Germany’s games while Cazorla played in both of Spain’s games, completing 76 minutes for them on Tuesday night. That combined with the probable availability of Danny Welbeck and the certain availability of Aaron Ramsey suggests to me that one of our creative midfielders will start on the bench later, but which one?
With Welbeck and Ramsey in form and more comfortable and natural in the wide forward and box-to-box midfield roles, the German and the Spaniard will contend for the number 10 role. Both have been in great form for the Gunners so it is a tough call for the manager but perhaps the statement by Cazorla this week, reported by the Daily Mail, admitting that he was aware of Atletico Madrid’s transfer interest, will prove to swing the balance in his favour.
Santi said, “I’ve heard (about Atletico’s interest), like everybody. But at the moment there is nothing concrete, only rumours. I don’t worry about that.
“I’m focused on Arsenal, where I am very happy. I have another year on my contract and the option for one more.
“As long as I feel valued, I will continue here. Although you never know what the future will bring in football.
“I live in Hampstead, 15 minutes from the training ground, and it’s really nice.
“It’s the perfect place for my kids to go to school… very calm. They’re picking up the language quickly, which is really important for me and my wife.”
Cazorla is not exactly making demands here but that bit about feeling valued and not knowing what the future holds seems to me to be a none too subtle reminder to the boss to keep him in the starting line-up. What do you guys think?
Out with Cazorla if he wants to be greedy for more playing time.
Kooky.
Come on admin! I expect this from the daily mail not you guys…….
Take 3 thumbs up 4 that- I can’t believe admin still depends on news from daily fail, metro etc… Just cant
Cazorla is one of my favourite players, not just because he is the most technically gifted player we have, but also how much he loves the game. Football is his life. Straight after playing for Spain in the World Cup, what did Cazorla do? He came straight back to Arsenal to train, help with the kit launch, NY tour and Emirates Cup, unlike others who went out clubbing in Las Vehas and what not. I don’t mind our players taking a break and having a holiday in the summer, to me the fact that Cazorla didn’t just underlines how much he loves to play football.
As for a transfer, not really too concerned. Cazorla said he prefers the Premier League, and he receives plenty of affection from the fans here. He’s played the second or third most minutes of any player at the club this season, generally playing centrally too, so I don’t think he’s complaining. He played far less last season and still said he wanted to stay, despite Atletico showing interest then too. As for dropping Özil, they’ve played together recently, both in the middle, and it’s worked very well. Not really worried about Cazorla wanting to go, if he does I’d be very upset, but I can’t see him leaving.
Not too much in this article other than speculation and gossip so I’ll comment on something much more important.
Good news. About Diaby has returned to full training.
So basically this article is saying: Ozil will be dropped from one of the biggest matches of the season, and Wenger will ONLY play Santi (to make him happy) because of some ‘rumour’ that reached him about Atletico Madrid being interested. lol.
Santi AND Ozil should be playing tomorrow. Liverpool will be desperate for points towards a CL spot. We need their experience and technical skills. I expect a lot of Liverpool possession vs. AFC counterattacks. Might also be a good game for the OX and Sanchez is definitely due for a goal or two.
Ox is already ruled out and Welbeck may be a game-time decision. If Welbeck cannot play, it’s possible Ozil starts on the wing unless Arsene feels Walcott is good to go.
Also, Ramsey and Welbeck in great form? How do you measure that? The amount of possession Ramsey gives away or the number of goals Welbeck scores?
Ozil has been brilliant since coming back from injury. Wenger will not drop him for any reason
A clue he never said any of this is the bit where he says he lives in Hampstead, 15 minutes from the training ground. Yeah by helicopter maybe but at least twice that by car!
IMO, Wenger will play both SC19 and MO11 at the expense of either Welbeck who had a knee injury at the internationals and may need to pass a late fitness test or AR16 who though is finding his form, is still not at top gear.