Predicting the Arsenal Penalty Lineup in the Absence of Fabregas and Van Persie

Arsenal thrilling 1-1 draw against Sunderland, in which the Black Cats scored a last gasp equalizer in the dying seconds, may come back to hurt the Gunners as the season ages and it will come down to failure to capitalize in front of goal.

Not only did Arsene Wenger's men squandered some pressured chances but midfielder Tomas Rosicky also blazed a penalty shot well over the bar when Arsenal had a chance to kill off the game. The image of the Czech stepping up for the penalty came as a shock for the Arsenal faithful as one would not expect Rosicky to be given such a role.

The penalty came at an unlucky stage for the Gunners as captain Cesc Fabregas had limped off in the first half and talismanic striker Robin van Persie was absent through injury. Both are lethal penalty takers who rarely miss and had either been on the field when Samir Nasri has been brought down inside the area, the result could of been another story.

With two deadly short range specialist set to be out of action for the next month, Arsenal will have to establish a penalty line up that suffices in order to prevent another "Rosicky" moment occurring.

Arsenal boast a heavily attacking line up with a number of players who can easily slip home an elegant penalty. So let's try to establish an Arsenal penalty regime with the absence of Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.

1. Andrei Arshavin

The Russian would undoubtedly been first choice if the he had remained on the field. The little magician was substituted early in the second half to compensate for Alexandre Song's dubious sending off. 

The Russian captain has a history of strong penalties and also calmly slotted one against Blackpool in the second game of Arsenal's campaign.

2. Samir Nasri

The classy Frenchman is blessed with composure in an around the goal area and is also a natural finisher enabling him to emulate his traits into the penalty situation. According to an interview with Tomas Rosicky after the Sunderland encounter, the Czech admitted that Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh both declined the opportunity to find the score sheet from a spot kick.

3. Marouane Chamakh

The lanky Moroccan who arrived this Summer from French giants Bordeaux, has been superb in his opening displays but for an unknown reason declined to take the penalty against Sunderland. Chamakh cooly scored his first unofficial Arsenal goal from the penalty spot during the preseason campaign in a 4-0 thrashing of Barnet.

4. Carlos Vela 

The pacy Mexican is one of the coolest, and calmest forwards going around and his recent form agrees with the statement. With three goals in three appearances, all of the bench, the 21 year old is slowly becoming a consistent performer for Wenger.

Vela has penalty experience having taking a number for Mexico but sadly was not on the field against Sunderland.

5. Emmanuel Eboue

The Ivorian utility scored an impressive penalty against Blackburn during the later stages of 2008/2009 and has also done the job with the Ivory Coast, likewise to Vela, Eboue was also not present on the field and was unable to impede Rosicky's eventual effort.

Those five loom as the best potential takers when Fabregas and van Persie fail to appear due to injuries but it ceases to matter to any fan, manager or player as long as some one takes it and slots the penalty home. As long as Tomas Rosicky does not take another one during his Arsenal career all should remain happy.