Oxlade-Chamberlain could be crucial in top four race

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Arsenal scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on December 29, 2012 in London, England. (Getty Images)

A shadow of his former-self – as proclaimed by the media – 19-year-old, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seems to be a lost man. After an explosive first season, the England international has rarely featured in the starting line-up for Arsenal this season, with the likes of Gervinho, Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and even Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey at times, occupying the wings.

It’s even more baffling as the youngster is considered good enough by England manager, Roy Hodgson to start for the Three Lions.

The former Southampton star hasn’t lost his talent or ability as the last few weeks have shown. Coming in to a crucial period for Arsenal in their race for the Champions League spots, Oxlade-Chamberlain has shown why Arsene Wenger spent so much on the teenager just 2 years ago.

Having started against Swansea, Ox was unlucky not to score as two brilliantly struck shots hit the crossbar while his all-round play wasn’t too bad either as Arsenal earned a hard fought 2-0 win.

Ox continued to make an impact as he came on as a substitute in the 4-1 win against Reading, winning a penalty which Mikel Arteta successfully converted.

Last weekend, he came on as a late a substitute with Arsenal down 0-1 against Norwich. The Gunners fought back with Oxlade-Chamberlain providing the assist for Giroud’s crucial winner with a powerful run as Arsenal went above Chelsea and Tottenham in 3rd place.

It’s not only his impact as a substitute which has helped but his directness and dribbling has provided Arsenal a different dimension, which has really helped. The Gunners will need all their squad players to help contribute in their quest for 3rd place. And the youngster himself has warned Tottenham and Chelsea that Arsenal will stay in 3rd:

“That helps to know that we did it last season and we managed to squeeze in last season for the Champions League in the way that we did. That’s what it does for a squad. Previous experiences can help you and contribute in the way that you feel in the season afterwards. The fact that we did it last season definitely helps our confidence to do it again this season.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain will definitely be crucial in helping Arsenal remain 3rd as the seasons comes to a finish.