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Arsenal Vs Sutton: Lucas Perez Can Stick It To Arsene Wenger
Lucas Perez is reportedly wanting out of the Emirates. In Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Sutton on Monday night, he has the chance to stick it to Arsene Wenger.
The lesser competitions are avenues through which players can force their way into the first team. Arsenal and Arsene Wenger have often used the FA and League Cup, particularly the latter, to give fringe players the opportunity to prove their worth and youth players some precious first-team experience.
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This season that has been even more apparent. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain established himself as a central midfielder with a consummate display against Southampton. Rob Holding has displayed the natural skills to develop into a top class defender one day. Danny Welbeck was afforded the opportunity as he recovered from injury in the previous round to display his talents.
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The Gunners now travel to Sutton in the fifth round of the FA Cup with many players deserving of a greater share of the game time. One such man is Lucas Perez. The £17 million signing has been restricted to late-game cameos and cup starts and there have been reports suggesting that he may leave the Emirates in the summer in search of a more established role.
That is understandable. He is a gifted attacker with a subtle first-touch, excellent awareness and ruthless finishing. However, Wenger is not trusting of him to start him in the big games. It is likely, though, that Perez will start against Sutton on Monday. It is the perfect opportunity for the Spaniard to stick it to Wenger.
There is deep and varied competition in the Arsenal squad, especially in the attacking areas. Olivier Giroud, the aforementioned Welbeck and even Theo Walcott are no longer guaranteed names on the teamsheet. Perez is another who is attempting to forge a role for himself in the starting XI.
Assuming that he starts against Sutton, with a dominating display in which he continues to show his intelligent link-up play and calmness in front of goal, Perez will most certainly be piling on the pressure for Wenger to start him in the more important competitions.
Next: Arsenal Vs Sutton: Predicted Starting XI
It has been a frustrating first season in North London for the striker, curtailed by injuries, inconsistent form and an untrusting manager. However, he has shown, in glimpses, that he has the talent to excel in this Arsenal side. He must do so again on Monday.