Arsenal Starters To Face Norwich City

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Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla

Mathieu Flamini was good. He really was. I was impressed. But if Ramsey is back healthy, I would much rather see him paired with Santi Cazorla. Give Ramsey a central role where he is crucial to the team and he will excel. He may need a few matches to get his legs back underneath him but it will all be worth it.

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The Welshman’s engine is nonstop. He never tires and he can recover no matter where he is on the pitch. The only potential problem is when he gets too far ahead of the play and the opposing team comes on the counter, but in the end, Flamini was not much different. Ramsey has the same intensity and more strength than Flamini does. Plus he is less likely to draw a yellow card or two.

Santi Cazorla is so incredibly good on the ball and in passing but he is so incredibly bad in front goal. For that, I am beginning to understand why he was moved into a deeper role. There are few people that look more confident on the ball than Santi Cazorla. At Arsenal or anywhere. He can dribble through anyone. His passes rarely miss their mark. For that, he deserves massive credit.

But what happens when he gets in front of goal? Why does he have this inane tendency to scuff the ball into the stands? Even on penalty kicks.

Oh well. I’ll take the composure on the ball any day.

Next up, the wings.

Next: Wings