Creative burden on Rosicky could be eased by introduction of Eduardo
2 comments December 4th, 2007
As we prepare for tomorrow’s game at St. James’ Park, the lack of creativity in our team is palpable. Robin van Persie, Aleksandr Hleb, and Cesc Fabregas all seem set to miss out. That could leave us with a central midfield trio of Gilberto, Flamini, and Diarra – all primarily holding players. However, a couple of subtle changes in the side could allow us to include more attacking flair players in support of Emmanuel Adebayor (or possibly even Nicklas Bendtner).
Using the same 4-4-1-1 system that prospered at Villa Park, we could select two of Gilberto, Flamini and Diarra to man the central midfield area. Ahead of them, Tomas Rosicky could be handed Aleksandr Hleb’s role behind the front man, with Emmanuel Eboue continuing his prosperous partnership with Bacary Sagna on the right.
Who would then fill the left-sided berth vacated by Rosicky? Why, our very own ‘forgotten man’, Eduardo. Partially due to the form of top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, as well as promising performances from both Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner, the Crozilian has struggled to break into the first-team. And when he has played, he’s looked more comfortable as a striker than a winger. But playing him tomorrow night has several positives:
- Flexibility. It enables us to switch him with Rosicky and go to a more direct 4-4-2.
- Genuine width on the left
- Another match-winner in the side
Crucially, it would allow us to include a player who has shown himself capable of making goals from nothing. One need only see his clever nutmeg and cross for Cesc Fabregas in the qualifying stages of the Champions League, or the run and through-ball that helped break English hearts a couple of weeks ago to see Eduardo’s creative potential. Supplementing Rosicky and Eboue’s efforts with Eduardo rather than installing Gilberto as a holding player will give the side attacking impetus against a weak Newcastle defence.
Today should give us a better indication of Arsene’s intentions regarding team selection, but were I him I’d select as strong a side as possible. Newcastle have been embarrassed in recent weeks, and there’s nothing like shame to stir fight in a side.
