Marouanne Chamakh: Not just a Plan B

When Marouanne Chamakh first signed for the club he was seen as the answer to Arsenal's search for a Plan B. A player who could offer a drastic change of emphasis from the lateral to the longitude against deep-lying defence and finally a target for Arsenal's plethora of midfield creators to aim. Yet as the term indicates, Plan B is often associated with someone who is uncomfortable playing in the modus operandi yet for Chamakh that is anything but the case.

He credits World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry for helping him mould the style he plays with now. The roaming central striker, linking up play with quick one-touch passes complements Arsenal's style perfectly and has ensured he has made a seamless integration to the Arsenal way. And further going against the big-man vernacular, he is fairly nifty with the ball on the floor as his swift movement has earned Arsenal a number of penalties. In short, he is the modern day striker although there is a bit more Arsène Wenger feels he could give.

The physicality of the Premier League takes time to adjust so one of Chamakh's strengths in Ligue 1, the ability to unsettle opposition defences with his presence, is understandably in need of work. Wenger says of Chamakh having a "quiet style" which is very efficient and works for the Gunners however in match such as the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle, the quiet style was ultimately to the detriment to Arsenal.
The Moroccan failed to impose himself at the Emirates against such robust and no-nonsense defenders as Mike Williamson and Fabricio Collocini so much so at the end of the game Wenger ended up fielding a 4-2-4 in a bid to break down Newcastle's defence. After the game Wenger demanded his side take a more direct approach when the going so called for it and in that regards Chamakh is key. "He is a striker who plays for the team," said Wenger of his number 29. "He is mobile, good in the air, he protects the ball well. Sometimes you want him to go behind more, but overall he affects the game."

As it was, in the next match, Chamakh was able to produce the goods as early as the 37th second as good work initially from Tomas Rosicky found Alex Song in a right-wing position. The Cameroonian took a touch before delivering a pin-point cross for Chamakh to head home. It was the type of swift and urgent move that was missing against Newcastle and Wenger's reaction said it all. There was relief and comfort that his side were one step away from ending their run of two straight defeats but also a "thumbs up" for Chamakh to signify a job well done. And he further endeared himself to his manager with a well taken finish in the last minute by getting beyond the last defender.

A striker for Arsenal needs to show both sides of the game; the ability to drop off and be direct. It was one of the reasons why Wenger feels Theo Walcott is not ready to assume a central role for extended periods of games and exactly why Robin van Persie – when fit – is key. The Dutchman, as displayed at the World Cup where he played a selfless role for an over-cautious Holland side and at the start of last season, has both sides to his game. A fantastic ability to shield the ball from the opponent with his back to the goal before producing an unexpected turn away from his opponent and a striker's presence in the box.

Some people may feel Chamakh is merely warming up the seat until van Persie returns but his two goals couldn't come at a better time to remind everyone of his importance to the team. Chamak's impact cannot be purely measured individualistically nor even altruistically. It is his wholehearted effort which has endeared himself to those in and outside the club and that means he can be relied on whatever the occassion. "I never calculate my efforts," he says. "I just run and run and fight and fight as long as my legs will allow. But to play like that I need the trust of the coach team-mates and fans. I'm at Arsenal today because I was lucky to have a club and fans that supported me."

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