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Arsenal: Relentless Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has starring mentality
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain won Arsenal’s player of the month for April. While receiving the accolade graciously, Chamberlain showed a relentless and starring mentality, stating that he needs to win it every month.
Arsenal have long been criticised for lacking a winning mentality. For all of their wonderfully talented attackers, their pacy wingers, creative midfielders and overlapping full-backs, they have failed to win as much as their quality would suggest.
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Whether it be defensive errors or crumbling under the pressure or failing to be consistent throughout a long and arduous season or unable to compete on the biggest stage against the top teams, the Gunners have repeatedly failed to deliver on their potential.
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And it is because of their complacent, happy-to-settle mentality, both on an individual and collective basis. That is why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s recent comments when receiving the April Player of the Month accolade are so refreshing and encouraging. Before I explain why, this is what he said:
"“It’s always nice when people recognise your form or if they’re supportive of how you’re doing, especially if you’re feeling good and you feel like you’re playing well. It’s always nice when the fans show support and recognition of that. It is a boost and when you win one award, you want to win it again. I know this might only be Vitality Player of the Month, but it gives you a boost and makes you think, ‘I need to win this in May now, I need to get every month’”"
It would have been very easy for Chamberlain to reflect on a prosperous period during which he was deserving of the Player of the Month award fondly, thanking his teammates, praising his manager and recognising the positive run of form that he is enjoying. But that is not what he did. Rather, he was quick to point that he needs to be winning it every month.
It is that relentless, ruthless, anything-to-win attitude that has been lacking for many many years. For far too long have Arsenal been happy to settle with mediocrity, rather than recognising when they are playing well and then pursuing the same success consistently, without faltering or times of complacency.
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Chamberlain has the talent to be a star. He is quick, strong, intelligent in his movement, a lovely passer of the ball and an all-round dynamic midfield player. Now he has the mentality to compliment his natural potential. Let’s hope that it can unlock his very best.