The Short Fuse - 2016/2017 Arsenal Preview Seriesit me, Jeffhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51365/tsf-fav.png2016-08-11T07:00:05-04:00http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/rss/stream/121935312016-08-11T07:00:05-04:002016-08-11T07:00:05-04:002016/17 Arsenal season preview: Olivier Giroud
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<img alt="Portugal v France - Final: UEFA Euro 2016" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lNBhmv4cwfea3uU_YOwa-wUsGP0=/0x0:4648x3099/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50349547/545900972.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>So Gallic | Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Mostly Giroud, but some other people as well</p> <div id="cFPAGS"><p><a href="http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12429490/2016-2017-arsenal-preview-series"> <img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920743/The_Short_Fuse_2016-17_Season_Preview_banner_2.0.jpg" alt="The Short Fuse 2016-17 Season Preview" style="width: 100%;"> </a></p></div>
<p id="S8l0LR">All the rest of these previews dealt with an entire segment of the Arsenal starting XI and immediate next options. We come today to the last of these pieces, where we talk about...center forwards. Problem is, Arsenal really only have one of those right now; I mean, Aidan talked about <a href="http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12414326/alexis-sanchez-arsenal-striker-giroud-transfers">the concept of Alexis playing there in his analysis from yesterday</a>, and while Giroud is recovering from his Euro exertions, we’ll see a combination of, probably, Akpom and Walcott up there, but when it comes to out and out CF’s, Arsenal have all their chips on Olivier Giroud, at least at the time of writing.</p>
<p id="MhLdko">Giroud is many things, and “frustrating” is certainly one of those many things. He can score the most amazing goals, and score them in bunches, but then...nothing. For game after game. I know scoring is streaky, and I certainly don’t expect him to score a goal every single game, but I would also love to see him avoid those five and six game scoreless droughts.</p>
<p id="uoftq9">This is the point in the story where it should turn to “and that’s why I believe Arsenal desperately need some support for Giroud before August 31 and the closing of the window”. And I...kinda believe that, and would not be sad if it happened, but here’s my devil’s advocate, what-if-Arsene-does-nothing-again security blanket when that thought crosses my head: We have Granit Xhaka now.</p>
<p id="sIPzl3">Why is that relevant? It’s relevant because I believe that Xhaka’s presence will unlock even more amazing stuff from the wide players we have - there will be fewer instances of all-hands-on-deck-let’s-all-play-CDM because Xhaka will be back there Xhaka-ing away, which will allow the Ozils, Sanchezes, and Ramseys of the world to do what they do best without fear of having to all of a sudden have to go back and get a ball or break up a play; they’ll be much more able to attack when they don’t have to worry quite as much about defending.</p>
<p id="M0Q9R5">But anyway, back to Olivier; with that midfield behind him, I think he’s going to hit the 20 league goals mark for the first time as an Arsenal player, and I couldn’t be more excited. He needs company, but if he doesn’t get it, I think Arsenal will probably be in pretty good shape.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/11/12434430/2016-17-arsenal-season-preview-olivier-giroudpdb2016-08-10T13:50:29-04:002016-08-10T13:50:29-04:002016/17 Arsenal Season Preview: Wide Forwards
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<img alt="Arsenal Training Session and Press Conference" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N6NjbpScdhqvn5dwld_fcnVhdrI=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50340643/464300914.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s a look at the deep Arsenal wide forward ranks and see who has the upper hand in the competition for playing time.</p> <div id="gOvWxJ"><p><a href="http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12429490/2016-2017-arsenal-preview-series"> <img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920743/The_Short_Fuse_2016-17_Season_Preview_banner_2.0.jpg" alt="The Short Fuse 2016-17 Season Preview" style="width: 100%;"> </a></p></div>
<p id="Y6Ll1x">In Arsenal’s current (and future) tactical system, the 4-2-3-1, there are two wide forward positions tasked with providing a hefty amount of support in attack while recovering to aid their fullbacks in defending the flank. Like the central midfield position, Arsenal has a copious amount of options for these positions, but there isn’t an unassailable first-choice wing combination. Alexis Sanchez has had the left wing position on lockdown since joining the Gunners a few years ago, but his future appears to be in a more central position, leaving an opening for a would-be successors to that role. There are also numerous contenders for the right wing position in what hopefully should be healthy competition that boosts performance.</p>
<p id="4AuXMp">Though there is a chance Arsenal signs someone to fill one of these voids before the end of the month, there’s no point in speculating about what-ifs; Arsenal’s current options give more than enough food for thought.</p>
<p id="FTfjek">Back in the full-time wide forward ranks this season is the much-maligned Theo Walcott. After a year attempting to win the center forward position for the Gunners, Theo is back where he started in North London over a decade ago. While his tenure at center forward did produce the most thoroughly enjoyable half of Arsenal football in the last decade (the 3-0 first half evisceration of Manchester United) and some other bright moments, it was undoubtedly a failure overall. That failure, combined with his recent injury woes, have many wondering why Walcott is still in the team at all. This is unfair. </p>
<p id="rScdDF">When healthy, Theo has shown he can contribute double-digit goals and a similar assist tally from the wide forward position. His lack of technique and decision-making can be frustrating at times, but he’s been a dangerous and effective player from the wing for years. He’s also exactly the type of run-making wide forward needed to pair with Alexis Sanchez <a href="http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12414326/alexis-sanchez-arsenal-striker-giroud-transfers">if Arsene Wenger decides to mold the Chilean into a no. 9</a>. </p>
<p id="JEnaPG">When <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fteams%2Farsenal%2F8323992%2FArsenal-v-Barcelona-Lionel-Messi-admits-Spaniards-are-scared-of-Theo-Walcotts-pace-in-Champions-League.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Ftheshortfuse.sbnation.com%2F2016%2F8%2F10%2F12419832%2F2016-17-arsenal-preview-wide-forwards-theo-walcott-oxlade-chamberlain-iwobi-alexis-gnabry-jeff" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi fear your threat</a> and <a href="http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/david-alaba-says-theo-walcott-is-one-of-the-toughest-players-he-s-ever-faced-080516">David Alaba thinks you’re as tough as a defensive task as anyone</a>, that means something. It may not be pretty, but Theo should be an effective option on the right and should be considered the slight favorite to hold this position in the XI.</p>
<p id="qRT1vi">Before I leave this particular topic, please allow me a Theo rant. Walcott’s recognition of a requirement for right wing restoration was widely, and unfairly, mocked in the Arsenal Twittersphere. Desiring a new, more historically prestigious job is a normal, human thing. Finding out you aren’t cut out for that dream job is a normal, human thing. Being able to admit that failure publicly is rare and commendable. It’s the type of raw honesty we hope for while trudging through largely bland and prepared public comments from athletes. Here’s to hoping he, and other footballers, didn’t pay attention to the reaction and continue to provide interesting interviews.</p>
<p id="KXIy9u">Walcott’s chief competition for the right wing slot at this time is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Oxlade-Chamberlain is on Year 2 - at least - of being the Arsenal Player Most Likely To Break Out This Year. Here’s to hoping it actually happens this season. Once again, The Ox is performing quite well in the preseason. His goal against Lens spared the Gunners a slightly embarrassing loss, his performance against the MLS All-Stars was impressive, and his wonderful solo goal against Chivas Guadalajara was a combination or pace, dribbling skills, and shooting technique that few in world football can replicate. That has always been The Ox though: saliva-inducing talent but disappointing end product due to injuries.</p>
<p id="tHv80v">Joel Campbell will be battling for playing time this season after being a fairly regular contributor last season. With a largely fit squad, it’s hard to see the Costa Rican getting much playing time this season. However, that’s never the case for Arsenal, so I’m sure he will get a handful of matches. At this point, he’s a known quantity - a replacement-level winger who won’t lose you matches, but he probably isn’t winning them for you either.</p>
<p id="srZsiR">Jack Wilshere is an intriguing option on the right wing as well, <a href="http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/9/12403982/2016-17-arsenal-preview-premier-league-central-midfielders-aaron-ramsey-ramadan-ramsey">as Aidan mentioned in his preview piece on Arsenal’s central midfield position</a>. Wenger loves Wilshere and may have to force him into a more advanced role for Jackie Boy to fit into the side. While I’m bullish on Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain this season, they aren’t sure things by any stretch of the imagination. The right wing position may be Wilshere’s best chance to make an impact for Arsenal this season.</p>
<p id="SHVMza">Where the right wing appears to be up for grabs to whoever can impress the most, the left wing position seems rather set in stone. If he isn’t playing center forward, Alexis Sanchez will have first dibs on this wing position. If Alexis is elsewhere, Alex Iwobi has the left wing on lockdown at the moment. The youngster was the breakout star of Arsenal’s campaign last year and looks poised to build on that performance. If he can’t replicate or build on the performances of last year, that may force Arsene to revert to using Alexis on the left. If not, look for another youngster to potentially get a chance in that role.</p>
<p id="ZJyfkm">Other candidates for either wing position are youngsters Serge Gnabry, JEFF! (Jeff Reine-Adelaide), and Chris Willock. Gnabry, who broke out in 2013/14 before succumbing to a terrible knee injury, has lost the past two seasons of his development. However, he was impressive early in Arsenal’s preseason and has maintained that form with the German Olympic squad. He appears to have fully recovered physically after looking out of shape and being shipped home by Tony Pulis last season. Gnabry’s talent was never the issue. Now that he is back to full fitness, he might get a chance to show his worth again this season when injuries eventually hit again. Reine-Adelaide was promoted to the first-team this offseason but is will likely remain in the youth ranks this season, barring a lot of injuries. Same goes for youth team standout Chris Willock. His pace and dribbling ability make him one to watch for the future, but his slight frame all but ensures he won’t get much first-team action. </p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12419832/2016-17-arsenal-preview-wide-forwards-theo-walcott-oxlade-chamberlain-iwobi-alexis-gnabry-jeffFBJ02016-08-09T09:26:08-04:002016-08-09T09:26:08-04:00Arsenal Previews: Aaron Ramsey and the other central midfielders
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<img alt="Arsenal v Manchester City: Pre-Season Friendly" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fJs9UYYULAB0Cqcp8pIb_t0FbnY=/0x59:4342x2954/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50327847/587130632.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Previewing Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal’s other central midfielders</p> <div id="Ar6yqv"><p><a href="http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12429490/2016-2017-arsenal-preview-series"> <img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920743/The_Short_Fuse_2016-17_Season_Preview_banner_2.0.jpg" alt="The Short Fuse 2016-17 Season Preview" style="width: 100%;"> </a></p></div>
<p id="uTI9ZP">Earlier this week, we previewed Arsenal’s <a href="http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/6/12353190/arsenal-premier-league-season-preview-granit-xhaka-elneny-coquelin">defensive midfielders</a>, so now we’ll go ahead and talk about their possible midfield partner. </p>
<p id="etWpsV">This is a conversation that begins with Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal’s new #8, who should play in the #8 role whenever possible. While there has been debate about where Ramsey’s best position is, Arsène Wenger again clarified that it is in central midfield, and while the Welshman can do a job out wide, the fact that he has had to says less about him and more about Wenger’s inability to balance the side in recent seasons. Indeed, the last time Arsenal had a functioning unit that actually spent a significant time in first place featured Ramsey in central midfield, alongside a holding midfielder who was able to control play. Arsenal again have that type of midfielder in Granit Xhaka, and a midfield combination of Xhaka and Ramsey offers a nice balance balance: one left-footed player, one right-footed player, someone to hold and someone to prob forward, and both are physically strong—in fact, it might be Arsenal’s most physical midfield since 2004, as well as offering a significant goal threat. </p>
<p id="771Xwp">If Ramsey is unable to play, or is required to cover Mesut Özil, as he will this coming Sunday, another alternative is Mohamed Elneny. Elneny offers less of a goal-scoring threat than Ramsey, but he is an energetic, competent midfield player, who can provide aspects of the second-function attacking play that Ramsey does, while also offering a defensive security, able to hold or play a box to box role. </p>
<p id="jPDxuK">Last year, Santi Cazorla played central midfield alongside Coquelin, effectively playing two roles—the more attacking of the central midfield players, while also the passing midfielder. But what Cazorla lacked was the physicality, in two areas: defensively, but also in supporting the attack, where he was also limited by a poor goal-scoring record (it’s been 21 months since Cazorla has scored from open play). Ultimately, the midfield wasn’t working even before Cazorla limped off against Norwich City, with Arsenal offering few convincing performances. While Cazorla’s dribbling is effective in getting away from opponents, he, like the rest of the side, struggled against teams that pressed, with David Alaba’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPYuduLDkjw">goal</a> for Bayern Munich highlighting Cazorla’s weaknesses in the position: subject to the same problems against pressing opponents, and being easily shrugged off the ball. If Elneny and Ramsey are unable to play, then Cazorla becomes an option, but at this stage, he should be backup for Mesut Özil or a wide playmaker. </p>
<p id="GmvlfS">Finally, there’s Jack Wilshere. Whether Wilshere should play or not is almost a moot argument; it’s whether Wilshere can physically play. Injured again, the Englishman has played effectively 11 and a half league matches for Arsenal in the past two seasons, out of 76, or 15% of available minutes. It’s an abysmal record, and one that has made it impossible for Wilshere to be a reliable option, and that’s before you consider his unsuitability to a box to box role—his defensive indiscipline, poor decision making off the ball and his poor scoring and assist record, and the fact that playing two left-footers in the central of the park lacks balance. If Wilshere is to play, it makes far more sense for him to play in a wide playmaking position, but again, that is a big if. </p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/9/12403982/2016-17-arsenal-preview-premier-league-central-midfielders-aaron-ramsey-ramadan-ramseyAidan Gibson2016-08-05T09:00:05-04:002016-08-05T09:00:05-04:0016/17 Arsenal Preview: Centerbacks
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<img alt="Sunderland v Arsenal - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ospkH0eiaWaH8E0ZnYLEYbZpocM=/2x0:3326x2216/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50300775/523752118.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A major concern for Arsenal to start the season as uncertainty and injury surround the center of defense.</p> <div id="0Dr3oE"><p><a href="http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/10/12429490/2016-2017-arsenal-preview-series"> <img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6920743/The_Short_Fuse_2016-17_Season_Preview_banner_2.0.jpg" alt="The Short Fuse 2016-17 Season Preview" style="width: 100%;"> </a></p></div>
<p id="NG4CUe">A lot can happen in a year. At the start of the 2015/2016 season, Arsenal headed in with a clear first choice pair at centerback, a experienced back-up, a young stud to pin hopes for the future on and, should they need him, the incomparable Nacho Monreal (spoiler: they did). By the end, Laurent Koscielny had a down year, Per Mertesacker got pinned to the bench, Gabriel Paulista declared himself a bit of a hothead and less than advertised in the skill department and Calum Chambers... was allergic to grass? I dunno, barely saw him.</p>
<p id="i5Wc3m">Monreal remained excellent.</p>
<p id="rSuEN8">Furthermore, what became a position of progressing worry has further blossomed into a rosebush of danger, with big nasty pointy thorns that drip acid and harbour flesh-eating catepillars that would make even the hardiest Pokemon Go users cringe. </p>
<p id="cvi9wd">Simply put, it gives me pause.</p>
<p id="wLngIO">Firstly, Arsenal go into the start of the season severely short in the position, despite having five CBs on the roster. Koscielny is gassed and likely a still a bit miffed at Lloris after a long and excellent Euro 2016 with the French team. Expected to return to training in the next week or so, he may not be set for first team action until week 3 or 4. Unless the need causes Wenger to rush him back.</p>
<p id="z6ZIGj">Worst, Mertesacker’s knee left him. Hurt in the preseason draw with Lens, Per is expected to be out until 2017 and if Santi Cazorla is any indication, it could be a longer road back to fitness for the 31-year-old.</p>
<p id="aTsCjR">To compound this, Gabriel is also unavailable this preseason and potentially the start of the regular season with tonsillitis. While he should hopefully get up to full health and speed soon, it isn’t ideal for the 25-year-old Brazilian who would like to rebound from an iffy season with Arsenal. One may blame first season conditioning but he wasn’t relied on heavily until the second half and appeared to have little in the way of partnerships working with either Koscielny or Mertesacker. Without the later, Gabriel suddenly becomes a key man at the heart of defense and many will hope he can take a solid step forward.</p>
<p id="G46a2E">That is, unless, he is supplanted by the youthful duo of Chambers and new signing and thankfully-no-longer-a-dirty-Bolton-player (ask someone over 30) Rob Holding. The two have had the lion’s share of time in the preseason and both have performed amicably. Whether or not Arsene Wenger will want to trust the young pair to see out August while the experienced defenders get up to speed, or even if he has a choice, remains to be seen.</p>
<p id="KuPxRX">But even with all this uncertainty, it is worth noting: last year, Arsenal finished with 36 goals against, the same as the season before and better than the season before that. It was the 3rd best total in an admittedly disjointed table but still nothing to shake a stick at. With Cech in net and new defensive midfield rock Granit Xhaka in the team, there are positives to build on. Add in the wildcard of a CB reinforcement being brought in, be it Shkodran Mustafi or... Shkodran Mustafi, and there is enough to see Arsenal out the first few weeks of the season.</p>
<p id="0Zk8dG">Or, should more players get injured, acid dripping thorns and poison caterpillars. Either or.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2016/8/5/12372470/2016-2017-arsenal-premier-league-preview-centerbacksAlsoNamedPhil