Much has been made of Joel Campbell’s opportunities at Arsenal. Or should I say lack of opportunities, as the Costa Rican star has been left out of the side on more than a few occasions.

I won’t bore you to death with how much I rate the player (again), but I will say that after electric displays at the World Cup and before that at Olympiacos, you could be forgiven for assuming Campbell would get his fair share of game time at Arsenal. That hasn’t been the case as we all know and the inevitable loan and transfer rumours began to surface.

Campbell was granted a rare start in yesterday mauling of Galatasaray, and although it wasn’t his best performance he did show glimpses of his ability. He will be disappointed at his lack of overall meaningful impact, but he did on several occasions display some twinkle toes to skip past a few challenges. Wenger was asked about the player’s future and whether or not he could be sent on loan. To which he responded bluntly; “Campbell will stay with us.”

Short and direct from the boss who is clearly bored of this subject. I would rejoice at this news as I am a supporter of Joel, but in truth Wenger’s words mean very little if he continues to leave the player out.

The boss spoke on the matter previously, saying before the season that Campbell does indeed has a future at Arsenal. Campbell was a part of the team that ripped apart Benfica in pre-season, scoring one and creating one, and his boss was full of praise for his display, saying “Campbell (and Sanogo) must play, and they must play at Arsenal”. Wenger then proceeded to bench him, which of course only draws speculation that perhaps the player will be allowed to leave in January on loan.

Good news for the player and good news for Arsenal in the long run I think. I would have liked to see him offer a little more in his performance yesterday if I’m honest. On several occasions he was guilty of selfishness and didn’t pick his head up in time to make a pass. He was perhaps eager to go alone and show his capability, which is understandable, but it didn’t pan out so well for him on the day. For that I am sorry for the player, as he must be wondering when his next opportunity will come.

I still think he should be granted a run of games and perhaps a shot in centre forward to really show what he is capable of. I believe he will come good for Arsenal and become a real asset to the club, he just needs that chance.

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