5) …and maybe not a new striker either
As mentioned already, Wenger has benefitted from spending money and should keep striving to sign the world’s biggest names, but is a striker really a priority this summer? Theo Walcott being trusted up front was a bold move by the manager for this game, as he used the England international in a slightly unfamiliar role after weeks of only using him from the bench. Walcott paid back his boss’ faith in him with a lively display and a superb opening goal. It’s worth noting that some of the former Southampton man’s best form for the north Londoners has come when used as a central striker, as was often the case in the 2012/13 season, when he hit 21 goals in all competitions, his best ever tally in a season. With Olivier Giroud still having a part to play, Arsenal already have two different enough striker options (and that’s not even including Danny Welbeck) to use depending on the opposition or on their own individual form.
It is worth adding as well that Walcott’s goal actually came when he moved out to the left, with Alexis Sanchez briefly playing as the centre forward and setting up the opener with a well-won header in the middle of the penalty area. The Chilean is also an option in that role and all of these players are good enough to move around, swap positions, and give the team a new dimension. It’s easy to be knee-jerk, but looking at yesterday there’s little reason to go all out for a new striker if Walcott can get over his injury problems.