Lukas Podolski has still started just one game for Arsenal this season and that was the loss to Southampton in our first Capital One cup game. But after some complaining in the press about his lack of playing opportunities, the Germany international striker seems to have knuckled down and proved his fitness to Arsene Wenger.
Because the boss had suggested that the reason for him not giving Podolski more time on the pitch so far this season was that he had yet to get properly match sharp after the summer exploits of winning the World Cup in Brazil. So the fact that Wenger gave him another 10 minutes at the end of today’s win over Burnley, when we were already 2-0 up and the result was not at risk, suggests to me that player and manager are pulling in the same direction.
Maybe it was the fact that the 29-year old front man rescued an extremely unlikey win against Anderlecht in Belgium, but with Arsenal not really getting the goals that our possession and creativity deserve, Podolski’s finishing could prove to be vital in the coming weeks and months.
And seeing him nearly score a hat-trick in the 10 minutes he had against Burnley is a timely reminder to us and Wenger that Podolski is still an important member of the Arsenal squad, as long as he keeps himself fit and sharp. So do you think that Podolski will soon be getting his second start of the season?