For a good few years, I think it is safe to say, one of the things that Arsenal fans have been crying out for more than any other, at least in terms of playing personnel, is more fire power up front. I suppose you could say that the jury is still out in some respects on Alexandre Lacazette, as he has not been at the club long enough to cement his place in our hearts, but it is hard to argue that the Gunners have not made strides in this part of the team.
Alexis Sanchez has been a marvel and even the most negative Arsenal fan must have warmed to Olivier Giroud after his regular contributions and the very high quality of some of them. Walcott and Iwobi are down the pecking order but most clubs outside the top six would start them every week, and Arsene Wenger now has great options with Welbeck, Lacazette and Ozil playing well in a forward position.
The upshot of this, from a fan’s point of view at least, is the strong competition for the Arsenal front line and that is usually good news for the team in general. It makes the players not in the first team try harder and the players in there are kept on their toes because of the players beating down their necks.
That is why I think Wenger should go for it in Cologne. Tell the strikers who start, probably Giroud and Welbeck, that they are playing for a Premier League place and the chances are that they will reward us with goals.
Then the likes of Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez will know that a bad game could see them benched and is that not the sort od squad struggle that Arsenal needs?
Sam P.