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5 Things we learned from Arsenal’s Nervy Victory over Crystal Palace
By Josh Sippie
3. Wenger must pick Cazorla or Ramsey, not both
It is still unclear whether or not Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey can coexist on the pitch, but I am leaning towards ‘no’ after seeing this match against Palace. Prior to the match, one key goal for Arsenal was to spread that Palace defense out across the span of the pitch.
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That is impossible to do with an excess of central midfielders, which Arsene Wenger yet again deployed. Putting Ramsey on the right wing is a mistake. It does not help anyone involved and it keeps the Ox on the bench, something Arsenal cannot afford when they need width and they need his creativity and blazing pace.
Ramsey and Cazorla play two different games, though they are both box-to-box midfielders. The Spaniard’s 91% pass completion put Ramsey’s 77% to shame, but they managed the same number of key passes (4) and Ramsey’s defensive and aerial ability was again, and always will be, superior to that of Cazorla (stats via WhoScored.com).
Playing both of them wreaks of Wenger putting off making a decision, but continuing to put it off hurts the team. Arsenal need a set formation, not a blob of creative license.
Next: Mesut the Magician