Pain in the Arsenal
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International Matches Actually Going Arsenal’s Way for Once?

By Josh Sippie

Jun 26, 2014; Recife, BRAZIL; USA midfielder Graham Zusi (19) defends against Germany midfielder Mesut Ozul (8) during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Pernambuco. Germany defeated USA 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Recife, BRAZIL; USA midfielder Graham Zusi (19) defends against Germany midfielder Mesut Ozul (8) during the 2014 World Cup at Arena Pernambuco. Germany defeated USA 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is a long-standing joke at Arsenal (although it is in no way funny) that the Gunners and Arsene Wenger see International Matches as the plague. No matter what happens, no matter what form the Gunners are in, everything seems to go terribly, terribly wrong after a handful of International competitions.

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Injuries to Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mesut Ozil have been the highlights of the past year of internationals and Olivier Giroud’s form was effectively destroyed after the International Break in March. He had scored 16 goals in 23 matches prior to that break and when he returned, he mustered just 2 goals in his final 11 matches (per WhoScored.com).

Those kinds of things give credibility to the fear that anyone associated with Arsenal have in international competitions.

As such, with the Copa America and Euro Qualifiers on the docket to start the summer, Arsene Wenger and Gooners worldwide were (and still are) holding their collective breaths and hoping that everything just ends quickly and without injury.

What we have gotten thus far is so much better.

Let us start with the Euro Qualifiers. With a handful of games spread across Wilshere, Ozil and Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal had a lot to worry about in the Euro Qualifiers and some international friendlies as well.

Jack Wilshere netted two absolutely fantastic goals in England’s qualifier against Slovenia and he avoided injury too. This continues a fantastic run that Jack Wilshere is on, as he was named man of the match as well. I am sure I am not the only one who is absolutely brimming with excitement to see this success carry over into next year.

Mesut Ozil put up three assists in Germany’s 7-0 dismantling of Gibraltar in their qualifying match, furthering the rumor that there is literally nothing you can do to stop Ozil from assisting. It is just another case of this summer’s international competitions carrying on Arsenal player’s successes rather than stunting it.

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Aaron Ramsey’s Wales faced off against Belgium in their qualifier and against all odds, the Welsh won 1-0 to remain at the top of their Euro Group and on top of the qualifying pool for the 2018 World Cup. As the centerpiece of that Welsh team, Aaron Ramsey was superb in commanding the game and dictating the flow.

And then there is the Copa America, which is obviously still in progress. In Chile’s opener against Ecuador, Alexis looked completely rejuvenated as the ball appeared to be an extension of his foot. Playing at striker, our Chilean mastermind has not let up on the gas. He is looking absolutely superb, much like he did to start the 2014/15 season.

Right there we have four Arsenal men, arguably the four most important Arsenal men, excelling in internationals. Olivier Giroud was a bit of a let down and suffered a minor injury, but going four for five in internationals is a gift that we all need to appreciate.

Next: Olivier Giroud facing Make or Break year

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