5 Things We Learned From Arsenal Vs West Brom
By Josh Sippie
5. Arsenal is desperate on the left
Arsene Wenger admitted before the game that Arsenal was too injured and weak to rest Alexis Sanchez. That the Chilean would have to pull some energy from nothing and keep fighting. He did admirably in that regard. But the left side of the pitch is looking incredibly desperate.
Kieran Gibbs had a fantastic draw-saving goal against Tottenham. It was special. And for the record, Gibbs is a very talented athlete. But to give him a start in a forward position reeks of utter desperation. As it stood, either Joel Campbell was being saved for the Champions League clash or he was deemed inferior. But that left Alexis Sanchez as the sole winger.
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Arsene Wenger therefore had to start his back-up left back at left wing.
But even if everyone was healthy, who would Arsenal have to back up Alexis Sanchez? Essentially no one. Next to defensive midfield, the left side of the pitch is the second most starved for talent position on Arsenal’s roster.
I downplayed the Nolito rumors, and I still think there are other options, but at this point, anything will help.
At number four, we have to make an acknowledgment about our studly right back.
Next: Number 4