Arsenal boss backs striker to shine in cup clash

For quite a while it looked as though the Arsenal and Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell would never get to actually play a competitive game for the Gunners, because of the work permit problems. And then when he did finally get his papers and came to north London on the back of an impressive World Cup, it all seemed to go wrong for him again.

The striker´s competitive debut was a good start to life as a Gunner, as it was the victory over Man City in the Community Shield. After that, however, we hardly saw him and he had to wait until the Capital One Cup before his first start. A few months later and Campbell was out on loan again and his Arsenal career looked over, so fair play to the young forward for sticking with it.

Campbell is set to start against Sheffield Wednesday tonight and the attitude that has kept him going despite his setbacks has been lauded by Arsene Wenger, as an Arsenal.com report reveals. THe Frenchman has urged the Costa Rican to grab this latest chance with both hands and he believes that Campbell certainly has the talent and footballing prowess to do so.

Wenger said, “I like Joel Campbell very much for two reasons. One is that he has outstanding individual quality, but he is also a team player. He works very hard for the team.

“I’m convinced he will get a chance here and that he will take it. He has another opportunity against Sheffield Wednesday and I’m hopeful that he will show that he has the quality to play for Arsenal.

“When you get the chance, you have to be ready. To be ready, you have to prepare. I must say that Joel Campbell and Calum Chambers are two players who do absolutely everything right.

“They are prepared, the preparation they have created will give them the confidence against Sheffield Wednesday and I’m confident they will play well.”

Campbell and the other fringe players know that the cup competitions are their best chance of time on the pitch and so they need to get Arsenal into the next round. But with Welbeck still some way from a return, the forward may well find himself with a few more appearances if he can impress tonight. Do you think he still has a big future with us?

Tags Campbell Wenger

12 Comments

      1. Hahaha ?
        That’s helpful information ?
        At least tell him that Campbell is 23.

        We have many younger players than Campbell and they have much more potential than him as well.
        I personally don’t think that he has a future at Arsenal,
        But I hope that he proves me wrong.

        I’m more interested in seeing how the Ox performs tonight.

  1. We should use him more in league matches too…I noticed the Ox is always full of mistake and hardly perform each time he starts a match, he’s always more better when he comes on as a sub to play against tiring legs. Campbell haven’t got half the chances the Ox has gotten, we all know he’s got potential .. and one thing i love most in this exact squad is the hunger and love to learn from each other, I like the friendship and understanding they all have,nobody claims to be above the other or be the main man. So we should give young players the chance to also learn from them, some chances that should be given to Ox in the league, give them to Campbell lets see the young lad do his thing.. I hope he uses tonight’s chance to show what he can do
    COYG

  2. We will be expecting another Chelsea(former) / Monaco like side. Carlos Carvalhal is a very good technician, and he plays very organized football (He studied alongside Mourinho for his Grade B License, I guess). The team rarely dominates the game and likes to sit deeper and have a go on counters(as expected).

    Key Points:
    They are on a 8-match unbeaten run scoring very less no. of goals.
    They have the least shots attempted.
    Sam Hutchinson, their DM is the most booked player in Championship.
    Ross Wallace their RW, is a classic winger and has most assists this season.
    They have scored one-third of the goals from set pieces.
    They have committed more fouls than any other team in their league.

    This will not be one of those easier games as you all expect, but a very tough game for our Gunners, since we are playing a reserve side against them. We have to work very hard for earning a win. And our attackers will have a long night if they struggle to create chances. But considering our quality, I think if we give our top performance, we should come up with a win.

  3. Get back gnabry from west brom. Pulis should know he is way better than his academy players, even better some of his first team players. Just get him back arsene!!

    1. @rpk
      Serge has AFC DNA running through his veins. Pulis is trying to force it out of him and turn him into a Stoke type player…

      1. I don’t know what thoughts occurred to him when he was taking Gnabry in the team. Atleast we can expect from him that he might not be having as much bad time as Sanogo, he certainly has the quality to grow up in the PL. Also, he is focusing too much on playing two strikers upfront, Rondon(his expensive buy) and Berahino. If he can’t give him oppurtunities there, we can utilize Gnabry in Cup games at least. Gnabry can also add to our winger options.

  4. Listen Baby Please

    Talk is cheap, lets see it on the pitch
    He said the same about Sanogo, but his quality hasn’t materialised as of yet. Campbell is 23. That’s old enough to show something. He has been very average the last few loan spells

    I would love it if Campbell scores tonight
    But he needs to take his opportunities and show us On the pitch.

    Anyway, good luck to Joel and everyone tonight

  5. I love Campbell but he hasn’t played well for this team in this style. He should leave this summer and enjoy playing football for a smaller team. But if he can develop a touch and play our style then great.

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