How to accommodate Giroud and £16m summer signing?
With news emerging in the last few days that Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud could be close to an early return to action, Arsene Wenger has a potential selection headache on his hands for the rest of the season.
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The French international was undisputed first choice upfront for the Gunners last term, with Wenger having little in the way of backup options in attack apart from the unreliable Nicklas Bendtner and untried youngster Yaya Sanogo.
However, Arsenal brought in both Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez during the summer transfer window, and Giroud won’t necessarily walk straight back into the side.
Still, the 28-year-old is no doubt a quality player who has shown his worth to this club, and it may be worth Wenger re-thinking his tactics anyway after a difficult start to the season, with this radical formation change perhaps the best way to fit in all his most important players…
Goalkeeper and defence:
With the back four remaining the same, Arsenal will stick with their current defensive options unless they dip into the market this January, while the returns of Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny from injury would also be very welcome for Wenger as his side continue to leak goals at the moment.
Midfield:
Switching to a diamond formation that is increasingly coming back into fashion at some of Europe’s top clubs, Arsenal could use Mikel Arteta in a deeper role, with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere rotating in the two positions just ahead. Alexis Sachez, meanwhile, could relish a new role in an advanced central position, given the freedom to roam and attack from deep.
Attack:
With Arsenal now enjoying two quality options upfront, it may be ideal to use both Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck up top together. The pair may benefit from having a strike partner, with Giroud sometimes isolated on his own in attack, while Welbeck’s game could complement his well. This would also allow well for Theo Walcott to play in his preferred striker role alongside one of these two players more often without being the sole focal point of the attack.