Arsenal's Winger Debate: Nasri and Walcott, Bendtner, Arshavin, Rosicky or Vela?

Arsenal gained three valuable points at the City of Manchester stadium defeating the Citizens by three goals to nil. It was a comprehensive performance from Wenger’s men as they moved to the second place on the table. The Gunners have been affected by various injury worries, but the situation is better at present, with the return to fitness of Cesc Fabregas, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott.

Samir Nasri was undoubtedly one of the best players in the game against City, in which he scored the opening goal, and superbly assisted the third goal. Nasri has grown in stature, and has been brilliant in this season. He was criticised for not scoring too many goals in the last season, but at the end of the last season, he said he would like to emulate Robert Pires. He has certainly improved a lot and is currently Arsenal’s leading goal scorer in this season with seven goals to his name.

Nasri has admitted that he prefers playing in the central attacking midfield role, but he has shown that with hard work, you can be successful irrespective of your favoured position. He is one of the integral members of the team, and is an assured starter in the team.

If Cesc Fabregas is fit, then Nasri will start on one of the wings, which leaves only one of the wings vacant for the likes of Theo Walcott, Andrei Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky, Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela. Emmanuel Eboue can also play on the right flank, but he is better suited to play at right back, and Wenger should decide amongst the above five as to who will start for Arsenal on a regular basis.

It is a difficult decision for Arsene Wenger to make, but Arsenal will need to have a settled team to challenge for titles. It is tough to choose among these talented players as to who should start for the Gunners on a regular basis, and I will elaborate on the choices on who should be Arsenal’s first choice winger along with Samir Nasri. 

Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott was impressive at the start of the season, when he had accumulated four goals in only three games, and was called up for England. But he was injured on International duty, and has missed six weeks of action. He has recovered from the injury, and will look to make an impact in the game against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup.

Walcott possesses exceptional pace, and good finishing ability, which would trouble any defence. He is very effective on counter-attacks, and it looks like he has improved on his game after he was not selected for England by Fabio Capello. He still needs to work on his crossing ability, but he certainly deserves a lot of playing time in this season, and will look to establish himself as a starter in this season.

Andrei Arshavin

Andrei Arshavin has come under much criticism after some below par displays in this season. The Russian midfielder seems to have lost some of his blistering pace, and has been inconsistent. However, he has scored five goals, and has been involved in many other goals for Arsenal, and according to statistics, he has been one of the better players for Arsenal this season.

Arshavin is someone who sets high standards for himself and the team, and though he is still useful to the team, he is not playing to his potential, which is why he has been criticised. If his one-two with Nasri in the game against City is any indication, he still has the skill and vision to provide killer passes and contribute to Arsenal in a huge way.

Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he believes that Arshavin will be great for the team, and has hinted that he will try to extend his contract beyond 2012. Arshavin is not in good form, but has still contributed to Arsenal greatly, but if he does strike a rich vein of form, then he could be unstoppable, and crucial to the Gunners.

Tomas Rosicky

Tomas Rosicky has been one of the most faithful players for the Gunners, and is certainly back to full fitness in this season. His Arsenal career has been hampered due to various injuries, but his mental strength has helped him overcome his injuries. He has been good in this season, and has also captained the team on occasions when both Fabregas and Van Persie have both been injured.

Rosicky works hard on the pitch, and also possesses exceptional vision and creativity. He also has good crossing ability, which is useful considering that Arsenal have Marouane Chamakh in the team. Rosicky may have lost a bit of his pace, but he still has the skills required to best his man, and create an impact for Arsenal.

Nicklas Bendtner

Bendtner is a very talented player, who showed in the latter stage of the last season that he possesses the quality to make a difference to Arsenal in the future. Bendtner prefers playing in the centre forward role, but with Van Persie and Chamakh ahead of him in the pecking order, he will love to take his chance on the wings: If Wenger decides to use him there.

Bendtner has a lot of skill, and the ceiling of his potential is very high. He is also a decent finisher and brings with him a lot of confidence, which will undoubtedly instill belief in the squad. The huge Dane will look to improve from last season, and has the faith of Arsene Wenger, who believes he will be a great striker in the future.

Carlos Vela

The young Mexican possesses a lot of quality, but he has been too inconsistent for the Gunners in the last couple of seasons. He has not had a lot of playing time in this season, and has only started the game against Tottenham in the Carling Cup. He needs to prove that he is good enough to start for Arsenal. He has scored three goals in this season, scoring against Braga and Bolton, when he came on as a late substitute.

Vela has decent speed, and good crossing ability, which is required for being successful as a winger. He will struggle to establish himself as a starter considering the competition ahead of him, but at 21, he needs more playing time to fulfil his immense potential.