Arsenal vs. Norwich: Lukas Podolski Makes His Point to Arsene Wenger

This morning, Arsenal fans awoke to more headlines about Lukas Podolski’s future. Rumours were suggesting his future might lie away from the Emirates Stadium, and those fears were compounded when Podolski was again left out of the starting lineup selected by Arsene Wenger. 

Podolski hasn’t started a match for Arsenal since Jan. 30. However, when Arsenal found themselves trailing at home to Norwich, Wenger didn’t hesitate to turn to the German. 

Podolski’s response was emphatic. As soon as he entered the field of play, Arsenal’s goal threat increased. Granted, his touch let him down on a couple of occasions, but he was also involved as a key component in two of Arsenal’s three goals. He played a clever reverse pass to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the build-up to the crucial second goal before turning to thump home the third.

Throw in a hammered volley against the cross-bar and it quickly becomes clear that this was an impressive 30-minute cameo from the No. 9.

Arsene Wenger took the opportunity to respond to this morning’s stories questioning Podolski’s long-term commitment:

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Look how he played when he came on. As soon as you have a player who doesn't play for three games, the papers get a story like that. But he looks very happy to be here.

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Whether that happiness will survive another spell on the bench remains to be seen. Podolski is entitled to think he deserves to return to the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

The same could be said of Arsenal’s other substitutes today, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. On the one hand, Arsene Wenger ought to be congratulated for the timely introduction of a trio of stars. On the other, he should face questions about why they didn’t start in the first place.

Arsenal have another huge game with Everton on the horizon. All three members of today’s cavalry are pushing for inclusion from the start in that match, with Podolski at the very front of that queue.

The man most likely to make way is Gervinho. The Ivorian winger’s recent performances have been a vital component in Arsenal’s good form, but against Norwich he returned to his former unreliable self. On several occasions, he spurned good opportunities to do damage by dallying on the ball or running down blind alleys.

Another who could miss out against Everton is Jack Wilshere. Against Norwich, Wilshere looked like a player who had been rushed back before he was fully ready. His touch was heavy, and his passing was radar seemingly skewed. If Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky is fit to play, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him displace Wilshere.

Such is life at contemporary Arsenal. Competition is tough, and poor form results in a spell on the sidelines: Just ask Wojciech Szczesny.

Equally, this meritocracy must recognise those whose performances demand inclusion. Lukas Podolski is ready to return to the Arsenal team.