The Chamakh Phenomenon

From the proverbial target man to the target of abuse, Marouane Chamakh has come a long way. The Moroccan international, who left French outfit Bordeaux back in 2010 to join the Arsenal, probably rues the biggest mistake of his life.

Now the striker is certainly not to blame. Such a move is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and would have probably never shown up until much later, and the striker knew the risks that he let creep in. Arsenal wanted a tall striker who could step in and convert those aerial balls which usually slipped over the rest. Robin van Persie was still a year or so away from slipping on his scoring boots and horse placenta was doing the rounds after Nigel De Jong put a foot in. Arsenal needed him, no less.

Chamakh had enjoyed his 8 years at the French club, although scoring a paltry 56 goals from 230 appearances. The striking hairstyle was a far cry from the English crew cut, but a goal is a goal. Also, Arsene Wenger will probably never let go of a free transfer, unless it’s Flamini. Nevertheless, Chamakh seemed destined for greatness with the North London club, and his start almost vindicated the thought.

Then the great drought started, which added to the greater drought Arsenal were facing, which they are still enduring. His starts turned to 60^th minute substitutions, which further deteriorated to the last 5. His appearances usually found the Capital One Cup or the odd fledgling Premier League side. The touches took more shin than boot, and aerial balls were almost negligible. By the winter of the first year, the goals had dried up. His feelings were not held back when he said, “By the start of January I felt that I had completely lost my edge.”

Arsenal’s free flowing form seldom throws balls into the box, with the hyperactive passing forcing a greater portion of the opposition in to the box, which creates more hurdles for a decent cross. Arsenal also play a solo striker, where an Adebayor or a Bergkamp would have flourished, but Chamakh was losing out to Van Persie. Chamakh did not know what was going wrong, and the missing piece seemed to elude the manager too.

When the decision to let Chamakh move to West Ham came through, on a loan, Chamakh showed relief bordering on happiness. The Hammers aren’t the crème de la crème of the league, but they are a decent outfit on their day, and Chamakh might just click given their supply of crosses in the final third.

Currently, Arsenal are far from settled, and post Chamakh’s departure, the squad looks more depleted than ever. Many call Chamakh West Ham’s problem now, but if Arsenal find themselves at Upton Park, they might just be in for a surprise. Unless the loan agreement says otherwise.