Should Arsenal Keep Faith in Adebayor?

The Togolese striker has been under much criticism since his proposed move in the summer. A lack of goals and lackluster performances have put Adebayor on the wrong side of the Arsenal supporters. 

Last term the Gunners were flying on all cylinders and Adebayor was in shining form. 30 goals in all competition earned Adebayor the African Player of the Year award and a place on the Arsenal mantle, because he was the first player since Thierry Henry to score 30 goals in one season.

However, strong speculation of Adebayor departing the Emirates created a lasting rift amongst the Arsenal fans, despite signing a new long-term contract.

This season we have seen a more apathetic Adebayor. Eight goals in 22 matches and a drop in form have called for a possible farewell to Adebayor. 

With the return of Eduardo and Robin van Persie, the signing of Arshavin, the new found belief in Nicolas Bendtner, and a few rising stars, this may spell the end of Adebayor's stay at the Emirates.

But has he truly dropped in form?

Sure at this point last season Ade had 24 goals in all competitions, but do we forget he was carrying an Arsenal attack without Robin van Persie and Eduardo? Not to mention that Walcott had not reached the form he was in this season and despite having an instrumental Hleb, he provided very, very few goals or assist.

This season we have a fully fit Eduardo and Robin van Persie, a Samir Nasri who can score goals, a Walcott who is beginning to sparkle, and a Bendtner who has found the net far more often than last time out.

Simply with the return of a worldclass strike partner, Robin van Persie, one would have to assume goals would start to be shared. Between Van Persie and Adebayor there are 17 goals; Van Persie with nine and Adebayor with eight. So maybe Adebayor's form has not dropped dramatically, but rather Van Persie has eased the goal-scoring burden.

In addition, Arsenal have not been playing like the Arsenal we saw for the majority of last season. Arsenal netted 74 times in 38 matches last year. This year Arsenal have a tally of 48 goals in 30 matches. Goals this season are few and far between, considering Arsenal's standard.

Adebayor is capable of scoring or creating, not both. He is not a striker that drops in, collects the ball, and still scores goals. He either feeds off good service, which has clearly has not been there, or he creates. Last season he chose to score because he had service.

This year Adebayor has added a new dimension to his game. Last season, Adebayor ended with three assists. Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, and Eduardo ended with more assist than Adebayor. However, this season Adebayor has seven assist to his name; just in the Premier League. 

Out of 48 goals scored in the Premier League this year, Adebayor has played a direct hand (goal or assist) in 15 of them. This may not seem appealing, but do not forget Adebayor has only played in 22 matches, two of which were as a substitute.

In Europe, Adebayor has made five appearances and scored in four of them and assisted twice. Arsenal have only netted 12 times in Europe this season.

Statistics can be misleading, but football ultimately is about who scores the most goals. Adebayor may not be finishing on the highs he was last year, but he is delivering just as much in other ways as anyone else in the club.

Personally, if Adebayor were to leave Arsenal it would not be the end of the world, but it would be a shame. No Arsenal player this season has really shined, outside of Robin van Persie. So for Arsenal to turn their backs on Adebayor as he walks out the door would be a true shame.

And like Fabregas, maybe Adebayor needed a break. Adebayor played a part in 48 matches last season. This injury spell could provide a must needed rest and rejuvenate an eager Adebayor.

With Arsenal starting to hit top gear, this could be the perfect time for Adebayor to show the Arsenal supporters he still loves this club and I am willing to bet he will do just that.