Arsenal: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to define himself against Chelsea

Arsenal’s season can gain a major lift if they can successfully dispose of Chelsea in the FA Cup Final and no one is more important than Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsenal’s season was a major disappointment. Rather than pushing for the title in the early 2017 months, they were headed the other direction, plummeting towards mid table. In that time, Chelsea, the easy title favorites, were building a cushion, doing what a title-winning team typically does.

But the FA Cup gives the Gunners a chance at redemption. They can deny Chelsea a double while taking home a major trophy after going through a final four that was full of the Premier League’s best. And in the process, they can shut up the critics (if only for a little bit) and prove that this new formula that they have is worth the excitement.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be returning in this crucial match up and he will be in one of two positions. Either he will be starting, which he quite honestly should be, or he will come on as a sub. Whichever is the case, he will have a huge part to play as one of the most potent and inspired attackers on this Gunner’s side.

Ever since the 3-4-3 has been implemented, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been one of the most reliable players on the pitch, both offensively and even defensively. His pure athleticism and creative mind have been integral to the success the Gunners have experienced.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

The only thing that has eased his injury is the sudden return to form of Hector Bellerin, who will cause the selection headache for Wenger going into the final.

Obviously, the offensive portion of the job is going to be what we notice the most, because the Gunners will be doing plenty of counter-attacking, but the other part of the job is negating Eden Hazard, who is, in my humble opinion, the most overrated player in England (other than Paul Pogba).

Oxlade-Chamberlain can absolutely define himself as a player, which he has had trouble doing thus far in his career. But given a Hazard-negating performance and a return to his previous form, all doubts will have to be put aside towards the still-young Englishman.

Next: Arsenal's 30 Greatest Players Ever

He has already made massive strides towards defeating the criticism, but he hasn’t had that one, big match where he goes above and beyond expectations and this is the ideal opportunity to do so. His ability can absolutely negate Hazard, and can simultaneously keep the right flank pinned back with his constant, marauding runs.

Home/Arsenal News