With Olivier Giroud?s red card appeal failing, Arsenal are currently very short on striking options with no clear backup to replace Giroud. For Arsene Wenger, the choice of who to use to replace Giroud currently lies between Theo Walcott, Gervinho, and Lukas Podolski.
While both Walcott and Gervinho have had their chances-and have been sporadic at best-up front, Podolski has never really been given a chance despite being considered a center forward prior to the start of the season.
Although some may argue that Podolski is carrying a knock and would not be fit enough to contend for the center forward spot, I believe Arsene Wenger currently prefers his other players over Podolski as he has a tendency to disappear in games. Furthermore, Podolski has rarely been played at his favored center spot, instead being shunted out to the left where he has had a decent season when healthy and selected. With the striker role currently available, it is time for Arsene Wenger to see what Podolski can do, and give the German a chance.
It seems almost impossible that Podolski could end up being worse than Gervinho who?s finishing is anything but top class, and Walcott who hasn?t scored, or really had a good performance for that matter, since January 30th against Liverpool. Of the three, Podolski is the most technically gifted and most capable of scoring phenomenal volleys and placed shots from outside the box, something few believe Gervinho and Walcott are capable of. While he may not have the shiftiness and pace of the other two, it is time that the best finisher of the group is given his chance up top to prove what he?s worth and to lead Arsenal to another top four finish.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG