Arsenal faced Viking FK at the Viking Stadion in their fourth game of the preseason. The Gunners dominated the match, which ended 8-0 in their favour. Arsene Wenger’s men had a somewhat shaky start to the game before they found their footing and started to take control. The first half ended 1-0, with Joel Campbell scoring the opening goal in the 33rd minute.
It was in the second half that Arsenal really took the game by the scruff of the neck. After scoring three goals in the opening ten minutes of the second half, the Gunners were comfortably in charge for the rest of the game. Let’s take a look at some things we learned as Arsenal took on the Norwegians to record their biggest preseason win so far.
#1 Theo Walcott isn’t clinical enough to be a striker
Walcott has made it clear for a number of years that he prefers playing up front as a striker than on the right wing, where he was most often deployed by his manager. Unfortunately, when given the opportunity he so craves, he has repeatedly failed to really justify himself and convince Arsene Wenger of his abilities as a centre forward.
The Englishman had a decent run out in this game, scoring a sweet goal and also creating one for his team. The goal was brilliantly taken. He showed a fine touch to control the pass from Campbell and then fired the ball low into the bottom left corner before any opposition defenders could even react.
However, the 27-year-old had a plethora of opportunities in the first half, all of which were spurned. He has shown good pace, intelligence and off-the-ball movement, but to be the centre-forward at a top club, one cannot afford to be so wasteful.
When playing against top level opposition, every wasted chance could come back to haunt you. It appears Walcott has realised his shortcomings, as he publicly admitted he wants to be played on the right flank again.
#2 Santi Cazorla is fit and raring to go for the 2016/17 season
Cazorla hasn’t had the best record in terms of fitness since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium. The Spaniard has spent a total of 176 days on the sidelines due to injury. In the 2015/16 season, he missed a large majority of Arsenal’s fixtures - 27 to be exact.
Since the arrival of Mesut Ozil in the squad, Cazorla has had to readjust his role in the team. However, with the German playmaker himself unfit for the beginning of the season, Wenger will most probably look to Cazorla to play in his favoured number 10 role. It was in this position that the Spaniard started the game.
The 31-year-old had a tough start to the game. He failed to give his team an early lead in the 4th minute when he was unable to convert a penalty won by Mathieu Debuchy. Shortly afterwards he was on the ground, clutching his ankle in pain, as he was on the receiving end of a rough tackle by Usman Sale.
After his unfortunate start, Cazorla put on a masterful performance. He scored a screamer with his supposed ‘weak foot’, beating the helpless goalkeeper from outside the box. He also went on to get an assist to his name. He was intricately involved in most of Arsenal’s attacking moves, and Arsene Wenger will be happy to see the Spaniard fit and firing again.
#3 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may finally have his breakthrough season at Arsenal
Since Chamberlain’s arrival at Arsenal as a 17-year-old, the winger has failed to break into the starting line-up and make a place for himself. In his five seasons as a Gunner so far, he has only managed to score a meagre seven league goals. In the 2015/16 season, the Englishman made just nine starts. He has also had some troubles with injury issues.
Nonetheless, Arsene Wenger rates the 22-year-old very highly. “He has it all. That’s why I would like him to get to the level he can go to. Maybe he doesn’t completely believe himself how good he can be and that’s the final step for him”, the manager said while speaking of Chamberlain.
The youngster’s quality was never in doubt. The flashes of brilliance are there for all to see, but he has been unable to produce the goods for Arsenal consistently. The winger has had a wonderful preseason so far, scoring two great goals and looking fully fit. His manager, teammates and fans will all be hoping that this will be his year.
#4 Gabriel Paulista looks shaky
Gabriel Paulista got his first taste of preseason action in this game, and it showed. He looked a little rusty and lacked the decisiveness and confidence required of a centre back. He missed Arsenal’s preseason tour of the United States due to tonsillitis.
With Per Mertesacker out of action for at least four months, and Laurent Koscielny currently holidaying after his participation in the UEFA Euro Cup 2016, Gabriel is the senior most defender available to Arsene Wenger for initial stages of the upcoming Premier League season.
Arsenal’s back line have been shaky throughout the preseason, in spite of which they managed to record three wins out of four. The Brazilian in particular was unimpressive in this game. He looked rather shaky at times and made some poor decisions. He was criticised for giving away possession too cheaply multiple times.
Arsenal’s first two fixtures of the season are against Liverpool and defending champions Leicester City, so they really do need to get their defensive problems sorted out. Wenger will be desperately hoping that the 25-year-old is able to recapture his previous form before the season kicks off.
#5 Mohamed Elneny looks at home
Arsene Wenger has no shortage of talented players in central midfield to choose from. Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin, Granit Xhaka, Santi Cazorla and Mohamed Elneny are all competing for a place in the middle of the park, but not all of them appear to be ready for the rigours of the upcoming season.
Mohamed Elneny, however, looks comfortable and right at home in the centre of the field. Since signing for Arsenal just eight months ago, the Egyptian has made sixteen appearances in all competitions, managing to score one goal and create another in that time.
The 24-year-old had a great game against Viking FK. In what was sometimes a hurried and frenetic performance from his side, the midfielder was able to calm things down, distribute the ball well, make a few interceptions, and cover for his out of position teammates.
The Egyptian added an assist to his name. His header was on target and had the keeper beaten, but Joel Campbell got the last touch on it just to ensure that it would indeed be a goal.
