Arsenal: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coquelin Could Form Pacey Partnership

Arsenal has Coquelin back from injury and Chamberlain hitting some form. The two players could form an unlikely midfield partnership that might be very effective.

In Wenger’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, the partnership between the two deep lying midfielders is essential to how the team performs. The two players are the spine of the side and set the tempo for Arsenal’s free flowing football.

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There have been many duos that have dominated this area of the pitch for Arsenal in the past. None more so than Vieira and Petit near the start of Wenger’s reign. This season selection in this area of the field has been inconsistent. With injuries, poor form and suspensions preventing Wenger from establishing a set deep lying midfield formula. Le Prof is still looking for the answer at present.

Early in the season, Cazorla and Coquelin looked to have the spots nailed down with Xhaka acclimatising and Ramsey injured. But both players suffered injury setbacks allowing Xhaka to have a crack at cementing his place in the side.

The Swiss man has certainly improved since his debut but rash challenges and brainless moments are still too common for the fans’ liking.  His latest suspension will keep him out of the next 3 league outings.

With Coquelin the model of defensive consistency and Ramsey back in the fold, Wenger’s selection dilemma in midfield seems minimal (especially considering Elneny’s continued absence due to AFCON). Yet Chamberlain’s performance at the weekend gave us all food for thought.

The Englishman was unstoppable against Southampton. We all knew he had immense dribbling ability and speed in his locker. But it was the intelligence of the Ox’s positioning and splendid passing which amazed me. Chamberlain looked completely at home in the centre of the field and put in a man of the match performance.

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Pairing Chamberlain with Ramsey would be too top heavy attacking wise to be considered as a viable combination. But a duo of Coquelin and the Ox could potentially be very fruitful. The main aspect that such a pairing would benefit from is pace.

Both Arteta in the past and Xhaka at present suffer from a lack of speed. For Coquelin and Chamberlain this would not be an issue. While we know of the Ox’s explosive pace, that of Coquelin is more deceptive.

Coquelin is not a speed demon but is very quick over the first few yards. This is essential when breaking up the play as he does so well. Both players have enough speed and stamina to push up field and support the attack but also recover and protect the defence from pending attacks.

One possible sticking point with regards to a Coquelin-Chamberlain partnership is distribution. Players like Xhaka and Elneny are excellent at recycling the ball. This it is not necessarily a strength of either Francis or Alex.

Yet Coquelin’s ball skills have improved tremendously since his arrival and if Chamberlain can cut out the loose passes from his game. There is enough ability there to manipulate the speed of Arsenal’s attacks. Especially considering the presence of Ozil just in front of them.

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A Coquelin and Chamberlain partnership may not be on the forefront of fans’ lips when all players are fit. But could form an effective partnership if Wenger allows it to develop. With Cazorla seemingly out for the season and Xhaka still suffering from teething problems. The two may end up spending more time together in the centre than first thought.