Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain makes case for central midfield role in Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side

Box to box: Oxlade-Chamberlain drives past Philipp Wollscheid
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
James Benge18 January 2016

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he was impressed by the attacking endeavour of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from central midfield in Sunday’s 0-0 draw away to Stoke.

It has been an indifferent season for the 22-year-old former Southampton man, widely expected to kick on and challenge for a regular spot in Arsenal’s starting XI after his match-winning contribution in the Community Shield.

However Oxlade-Chamberlain has slipped down the pecking order for a wide midfield berth thanks to the emergence of Joel Campbell as a crucial squad member and his own habit for giving the ball away at critical junctures of games.

Wenger has twice experimented with a 4-3-3 that has Oxlade-Chamberlain at its heart in the absence of Mesut Ozil this year, with the England international offering drive and verve in forward areas without quite convincing that he remains reliable enough in defensive areas.

Player Ratings: Stoke City vs Arsenal

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His manager was impressed with the way Oxlade-Chamberlain, usually deployed as a right winger, had adapted to the attacking aspects of a central role.

“He had very interesting moments in the game where he showed his qualities and how he can get out of pressure, go past people and get into the final third,” Wenger said after the game.

“In the future it can be a very interesting position for him. I played him in a 4-3-3 today. Normally we play a 4-2-3-1 as players like to push forward and I think it is a position that suits him well.”

The draw to Stoke moved Arsenal back to the top of the table, where they lead Leicester City on goal difference, but continued a six-year winless streak for the Gunners at the Britannia.

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