Arsenal: Selection issues bring new advantages

Arsene Wenger has stated that he has many selection issues to decipher because of the attacking options in the Arsenal squad. Such issues, though, actually bring new advantages.

Competition drives quality. That is a principle that has always been true. Throughout Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure at Manchester United, he was always keen to have several different players for each position and each system that he played. It allowed his teams to be versatile, adapting to their opposition, the competition, and the different scenarios that they found themselves in. And it also provided motivation.

As a United player, there was a level of performance that was expected. If it was not reached, then changes would be made. And that threat was a very real one because Ferguson made sure that he had players of a quality and calibre that could perform if they were inserted into the squad. Very few were safe.

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And now, Arsenal are beginning to replicate that same effect, especially in attacking areas. When asked about how it feels to have his best, attacking weapons available after several niggling injury issues prevented one or two from playing each week so far this season, Arsene Wenger detailed the selection difficulties that he has in trying to offer game time to all of them:

"“That’s the luxury I have at the moment. It’s a difficulty I have as well because all of these players are doing well and playing well and they deserve to play. Fortunately, we have important games every week so I give competition to everybody. We have so much offensive force on the bench as well that it’s really a strong point of the club at the moment.”"

For the first time all season, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette populated the front three positions. Arsenal scored five goals. That is no coincidence. But on the bench, Wenger had several players of real quality to turn to.

Jack Wilshere came on late in the game to play an encouraging cameo, including assisting Aaron Ramsey for his late goal, Alex Iwobi dropped out of the starting line-up after an impressive attacking display against Brighton before the international break, while international-calibre options in Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott were also ready in waiting.

When fit and firing, this is an Arsenal squad that boasts a plethora of quality and varied attacking options for Wenger to decipher each and every game. Now, Ozil, Sanchez and Lacazette will be the unquestioned starters when available for selection. But if their levels drop off, there are others who will be able to replace them and perform.

Next: Arsenal Vs Norwich: Predicted starting XI

Like the great United squads under Ferguson, Wenger has assembled a group of attacking players that will motivate one another to maintain a high level of performance. He may be having selection issues, but the competition brings real advantages also.

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