Wenger Must Play Sanchez in Front of Goal by Majekadega
This is not to make light of Ozil’s assists and contribution for Arsenal. However, I want to draw the attention of the fans to the fact that since Ozil’s return from injury which has forced Sanchez back to the wing, the Chilean´s goal scoring has dropped drastically. I believe it is easier for Sanchez to attack the goal from the “hole” than from making the “long journey” from the wing. I am not saying he should play as the main striker. However, he could be one of two strikers in a 4-4-2 formation. Wenger has to come up with something to surprise Monaco for part of the game and get a goal or two before they can figure out how to cope with it. These are difficult times that call for unorthodox tactical permutations.
Alexis Sanchez is one of the few, if not the only one, among Arsenal’s players who remember that shooting at goal is one of the many ways to score a goal in a match. No other person in the attacking formation shoots as much as Sanchez. Sanchez probably shoots more than all the other attackers combined and he scores from his shots. Wenger must move him from the wing and bring him into the front of Monaco´s goal. This would give the defenders and goalkeeper something to worry about because Sanchez represents “present and immediate danger to any defense”.
With his excellent dribbling skills and ability to draw more than one defender, playing him in front of goal increases our chances for free kicks, penalties and rebounds. This will also give the players on the wings more room to attack as Sanchez playing in front of the Monaco goal will likely result in Monaco assigning more than one defender to him.
Mezut Ozil can be dropped to the bench and Walbeck played on the left for his defensive abilities. If Theo Walcott plays on the right Wenger must instruct the other players to look for playbacks from him. This is because while he is able to get into good positions because of his speed he does not seem able to finish them off the. In addition, Wenger must hammer into his head the need for him to discharge his obligation to defend.
Good luck guys and I hope you will put a smile on our faces at the end of this match. COYG! It is not impossible.