We know we will get all manner of abuse for singling out an Arsenal fan favourite, Mesut Ozil, for criticism again.
But, for us, he is little more than a slightly better off man’s Ashley Young. He can look like a world-beater against the average sides.
But, when it comes to the crunch – and surely the great players have to be judged in this way – he too often comes up short.
He did nothing against Liverpool and we can’t remember a game against top opposition when he HAS done the business.
And, having watched Newcastle play Manchester United at the weekend, Arsene Wenger will underestimate this team at his peril.
They are more solid and more mobile than they were last season.
For this reason too, we are going to put Ramsey next to Coquelin in the defensive midfield.
Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain are going to play either side of the rich man’s Ozil – Santi Cazorla – and Olivier Giroud just about gets in up top ahead of Theo Walcott.
But the Frenchman should be hooked at half time if he has another quiet game.
At the back, Laurent Koscielny could still be crocked but Per Mertesacker should be back to partner the impressive Gabriel Paulista.
So here is our strongest Arsenal XI vs Newcastle.
Arsenal fans: thoughts please
during the UEFA Champions League last 16 round match between Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven at The Emirates Stadium on March 7, 2007 in London, England.
Joblow
Aug 25, 2015 at 10:16 pm
Everything above the defense i am in agreement with. POWER PACE ATTACKING INTENT, ASSIST, ATTEMPTS ON GOAL and GOALS
Alex
Aug 25, 2015 at 10:52 pm
Are you a Newcastle fan for wanting the best PL creator out? Yesterday Özil made 90 passes, 86% pass accuracy, 3 key chances, 2 tackles and he did nothing? Buy glasses!!