I have been one of the biggest pom-pom cheerleaders of Oxlade for a long time. In my view, he is one of England's best footballers, and right up in that echelon of elite wingers, and has always been vital for Arsenal and Wenger.
With his continued injury and as Arsenal attempt to actually win a trophy that matters, it's going to seriously harm Arsenal's push. The way in which Arsenal play, is very attacking, but the manner in which they do so has the focus being on the wingers. They like to spread the ball out to their quick wing-players, who then fire that ball across for Giroud to hopefully finish. Their best player at doing that without a doubt has been Oxlade.
The reason why people don't champion him enough is because he keeps on getting injured. If he actually had a run of games where he played for a long time, and people could consistently see just how good he is, then they would have to recognize the talent this kid has. Apart from being extremely quick, his footballing brain is great, with the ability to dribble and also create his own goals. It's something that Walcott doesn't give you. Theo may have the speed and the finishing, but he's not an engine all onto himself.
This could be Arsenal's year if they want it bad enough. Man City will drop points and give them chances that Mourinho's Chelsea or Ferguson's Man United just wouldn't offer. But in order to do this, they need all the best troops in the trenches. With a fully fit Oxlade that is free from injury, that is a superb weapon that will put them in a great position to get their paws on that crown.
HH
