Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain v Theo Walcott

[Coney]

It's an unfair comparison.

Vela and Walcott would be a more fair comparison. Both strikers with pace having to play on the wing. As someone said, these guys are like Welbeck and Hernandez. You can't get away with playing these guys on the flanks. They don't have the dribbling skills.

Even though Theo's playing intelligence looks like he's had a frontal lobotomy, he still doesn't dribble.

[Power n Glory]

Even though Theo's playing intelligence looks like he's had a frontal lobotomy, he still doesn't dribble.

And Vela's last few performances on the flank?

Theo looks like a fish out of water for a reason. He's the type of player I wouldn't play on the wing. It's like playing Defoe on the flanks or the other two Man Utd players I mentioned. Remember when Eduardo was on the left as well? Not sure what Wenger is trying to do if he says he'll be a striker for us.

[Coney]

And Vela's last few performances on the flank?

Theo looks like a fish out of water for a reason. He's the type of player I wouldn't play on the wing. It's like playing Defoe on the flanks or the other two Man Utd players I mentioned. Remember when Eduardo was on the left as well? Not sure what Wenger is trying to do if he says he'll be a striker for us.

I was only making a crap joke.

I'd give Theo a try in a 4-4-1-1 just off RvP, feeding to RvP or running in on returns from RvP.

[Marc Overmars]

I would say we should sell him but then I think it's one that could come back to haunt us.

[Power n Glory]

I was only making a crap joke.

I'd give Theo a try in a 4-4-1-1 just off RvP, feeding to RvP or running in on returns from RvP.

Ahhhh.... I'm slow today.

On an IT training course and really should be paying attention.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

I was only making a crap joke.

I'd give Theo a try in a 4-4-1-1 just off RvP, feeding to RvP or running in on returns from RvP.

Id give Arshavin his last chance in that role tbh

[selassie]

I'm not a massive fan of Theo's but IMHO his limitations and flaws are being cruely exposed because we have a midfield that is unable to provide the sufficient service.

Balance in the team is wrong, as is the quality IMHO.

In terms of Alex vs Theo, different players, Alex will probably end up central, he pretty much has it all, just needs to be groomed. Theo is no doubt a limited player, he's a runner...if he has somebody who can provide him regular quality service he's a very good player for us ala last season.

[dazthegooner]

Think Alex would smash Theo in two rounds with a swift right hook!!!!

[Niall_Quinn]

It's an unfair comparison.

Vela and Walcott would be a more fair comparison. Both strikers with pace having to play on the wing. As someone said, these guys are like Welbeck and Hernandez. You can't get away with playing these guys on the flanks. They don't have the dribbling skills.

Wouldn't it be fair to say that with Walcott up front in the centre rather than RvP we'd be prime relegation candidates by now? I believe it is fair to compare Walcott with Ox because it's about the player being asked to perform a role for the team. Theo is doing that in a limited way with his improving willingness to track back, but he's more ineffective that has was a year ago in the attacking aspects of his game. If he can't dribble then he should concentrate on his control and passing which seem to be declining on a game by game basis. We could get the defensive cover Theo provides from a player like Gibbs who also has looked more dangerous going forwards, and it wouldn't cost nearly as much.

[Niall_Quinn]

Id give Arshavin his last chance in that role tbh

Same here. His one final chance to find a role in the team or else head off somewhere else while he still has a transfer value. Then again, if Theo doesn't get special treatment and is expected to play for the team then who should we make allowances for Arshavin. He should have done a lot better than he has. How long could we risk playing him in the centre to see if he can deliver? A handful of games maximum before we'd have to call time on him I think. Is he the sort of player to deliver under that sort of pressure? Probably not.