Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he’s thriving at wing-back in Arsene Wenger’s 3-4-3 formation because it affords him a number of options when he bursts down the right flank.
The England international was deservedly voted Arsenal’s player of the month for April after assisting goals in games against West Ham and Manchester City and looked dangerous at Southampton on Wednesday before a hamstring problem curtailed his involvement.
Reflecting on his new role, the 23-year-old spoke positively about the freedom he enjoys when the Gunners play three at the back.
“It suits my game because when I’m playing wing-back there’s a lot of space to run into,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player.
“I feel like I’m more natural running with the ball as opposed to running off the ball for someone to play over the top.
“I like to be able to run with it and be a bit more of a midfield influence as opposed to a forward. Playing at wing-back, I receive a lot of balls deep and then I’ve got a few options.
“I can pass back to my centre half, look for Granit or Aaron in midfield, I could look for Mesut or Danny if one of them wants to run into the channels or in behind, or I have the option to cross from deep.
“I kind of did that against Manchester City, where I went to cross it a bit earlier, stopped myself and then after the next few steps I ended up crossing it. Then the final option I have is to run at people as well if the other options aren’t available. It gives you a lot of options, running with the ball, and my main qualities are probably running with the ball and picking a pass.
“From wing-back, you can do that a lot more compared to when you’re higher up the wing, when your options are a little bit limited. You don’t have as much space because you’re receiving the ball a lot higher up and the defender is a lot closer to you. You either take him on or you end up coming back or coming inside. I’ve really enjoyed it so we’ll see how it goes for the rest of the season.”
Arsene Wenger insists that Chamberlain’s latest injury is only a ‘minor’ hamstring injury. That said, he’s likely to miss tomorrow’s match with Stoke City as Arsenal chase another three points in their quest for a top four finish.
But will he sign a new contract?
Sounds like he has found his right position. Let’s hope he kicks on from here with us.
Even if he is temped by a possible Liverpool offer,
I wonder if he is convinced that it would be a step forward to him?
I really doubt it…
With Him, Alexis, Özil, Xhaka, Santi, the so called (and slowly but surely maturing) British core plus possibly a world class Striker…
I think we should be considered much more of a title favourite than them (even if they do have a good squad of course)
Not with wenger
I feel you brother. Title favourites? Hah.
Alexis and Ozil are pretty much gone. Santi is declining, as Arteta did before him so he might not be here to contribute much anymore. So, it is not really as you say. I had hoped for us to win the PL this season, thought the luck is on our side as we had a really good spell with some things going our way, but last few months have shown us the reality. Under Wenger we are as a ship with a drunken captain with one eye (like that guy from the Simpsons). There is a guy that we really… Read more »
Sounds like a player who analyses his own game a great deal. I think that has been a slight hindrance to him in the past, in that he sees all the flaws/errors and has let his head go down because of them. Maybe the sports psychologist has helped him see the good things he does and to let the bad things go a bit more easily?
I’m not gonna lie, I like Ox on the wing. I know his position as CM blah blah, but to be honest with you, I just want him to come out saying “I love the wings! I don’t want to play in the center,” followed by the manager letting him grow on the wing
I hear ya, I do. However if we’re to continue playing this formation I’d love to see him play centrally next to xhaka. I think although Ramsey is flourishing in that position Ox potentially has a lot more to offer. With his running from deep it would make us a hell of a threat on the counter attack where we are currently lacking
I always thought a midfield three of ox-xhaka-ramsey would be devastating. With xhaka controlling the midfield , ox running at the opponents and Ramsey’s runs from the deep we will have one of the best midfield in the league. We played this formation against Bayern at home and played really well until kosc was sent off .I’d like to see this formation one more time .
We gotta keep this guy…
Kos needs to put his arm round his shoulder and tell him he’s too good for Liverpool.
If a bid does come, our board needs to ask their board what they’ve been smoking.
“I receive a lot of balls deep…”
?
Telling he mentions Welbeck as his 9 rather than Giroud.
Now isnt that an amazing coincidence …………..I ve really enjoyed him in the wing back role as well!!
FFS….23 and first time in his career to play in the one position over a few matches.
Arsenal………eh, wha??!!
Realistically though, not many teams played with wingbacks in this iteration before last season. Just like 6-8 years ago people didn’t really have DM’ers.