Why Szczesny Must Be Dropped From The Arsenal Starting Eleven! by AT
It seems as though the Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny is another one of those talented young players who just cannot stay out of trouble. The reports of the Polish international smoking in the showers comes at the back of a disastrous performance against Southampton and one can begin to speculate about the future of the outspoken Pole with both his behaviour and performances coming into question.
Arsenal have a very worthy second-choice keeper in Colombia’s World Cup hero David Ospina, who produced a solid performance against Hull City in the FA Cup last weekend. While the 26-year-old has been unlucky with injuries so far in his Arsenal career, he is finally fit and I believe he should get a run in the first-team. Ospina was simply sensational in the World Cup and the Gunners can benefit abundantly should the former Nice keeper replicate the red-hot form he showed to help Colombia reach the Quarter-Finals of the competition.
There are THREE reasons why I think Szczesny should be dropped. The first one being that he is way too cocky and he seems to be of the opinion that he has a permanent spot nailed down for him in the Gunners’ starting eleven. I can think of so many occasions where he tries to beat an on-rushing player instead of just getting rid of the ball, he simply takes too many risks. Second, his decision-making is woeful. While he was lucky on many occasions, it wasn’t his lucky day against the Saints. And finally, his behaviour needs to be rectified, plain and simple.
Don’t get me wrong, I have in no way given up on Szczesny, I just feel that he needs an attitude adjustment and that is what’s best for both the player and the club. While the young Pole is certainly capable of pulling off a world-class save, I really think he needs to be given time off to get his basics right. Now although his outspoken father will not be too happy about it, I think Wenger should put his foot down and give Ospina his chance.
Anurag