Wenger’s changes have given Arsenal extra qualities by Sam P
Is it a coincidence that Arsenal’s last three goalscorers were Danny Welbeck, Alex Iwobi and Mohamed Elneny, all of whom have only been drafted into the Gunners first team recently? Could it be that they have more ambition and desire to do well, as compared to some players who may have already played 30 games or more this season?
Arsene Wenger thinks that these three have given the side ‘more balance’ as he said after yesterday’s game: “I believe we have a game based on movement and mobility at a technical level with attacking football. We have to balance that right and sometimes it is not always right.
“Let’s not forget that some players have been out for the whole season so players like Danny Welbeck are just coming back and has not played. Iwobi is just coming into the team. Mohamed Elneny [as well], we brought him in January and he has settled very quickly. They have given us a very good balance in the way we want to play football.”
But more than balance, I believe they have brought the desire to succeed, the desire to keep their starting place in the team now they have the chance. Danny Welbeck has certainly been out to prove a point after a whole year out of action, and he has quickly made himself first choice striker, while the jaded Walcott and Giroud have been practically anonymous since January.
Alex Iwobi has come out of nowhere and seems to have become a favourite of Wengers very quickly, keeping much more experienced campaigners on the bench. And Elneny looks like a Wenger “moneyball” success story. He has settled quickly and looks hungry for success and a permanent starting spot.
Perhaps you could call Wenger lucky that these three have all emerged as we are desperately in need of a return to form, or perhaps you could call it good management?
Sam