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Arsenal’s forward trio has exploded into form in recent games. Here, Jonathan Kaney outlines why each of the three is so important to the Gunners.
It was a fantastic result against Manchester United; however it was the performance itself as a whole that was so encouraging – particularly the attacking trio of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.
The whole midfield was excellent – Santi Cazorla dictated the play, Francis Coquelin was dominant breaking up play and pressing the game and Aaron Ramsey, despite being criticized for a bad miss, was tireless. His pressing and movement let other players play with more freedom.
It was Walcott, Ozil and Sanchez in particular, however, who won the plaudits for an explosive attacking display that looked reminiscent of the old Invincible days. The pace and skill of these players on display was frightening, and if they can continue that level of performance throughout the season, they will be unstoppable. After a few games, it seems they have finally started to gel as an attacking trio.
Walcott held the ball up superbly, got in behind the United defenders and looks to be building an encouraging relationship with the creative players behind him. It was unfortunate that he didn’t get a goal, although with two assists he will be more than happy with his performance.
His finishing since his return from injury at the end of last season has improved drastically. With his pace combined with the fast passing skill within the team – Ozil in particular – the chances will come thick and fast for Theo this season. With the games he is getting, the sharpness and confidence to bury them is coming.
It seems Ozil is also is benefitting from Theo’s run in the team. The movement of Ramsey, Sanchez and Theo gives him more space to work, which we all know what he can do with. He was in his finest form against United, and took his goal well. But it is his passing and creativity that is so important for us.
His pass for Walcott’s goal against Stoke this season is perhaps the best example of his genius. He has to step up and uses the talent he has more consistently. A player of Theo’s pace up front seems to bring out the best in him to spot a pass through the middle, rather than the more static Olivier Giroud that can leave Ozil marked out of the game.
Sanchez is also starting to come back to his best form with a well-taken hat-trick against Leicester before a world class performance against United. There are no words to say how important he is to the team and if he can continue the form he is on, he is on course for the Premier League top scorer.
Sanchez too is benefitting from Walcott’s form as their combined pace gives us a dimension to launch devastating counter attacks. The one touch passing and speedy flicks are beautiful to watch. All three players are getting an understanding now, which is hugely encouraging for the future.
The key thing now is consistency. Of course the other players are hugely important too. It’s their role that lets our attackers play with freedom. However, if the attack can get that consistency and freedom for the rest of the season, dare I say we could well end up as Champions.
