Arsenal's Talented Teen: 5 Reasons Why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Can Save Wenger

Arsenal advanced to the fourth round of the prestigious Carling Cup with a doughty come-from-behind win against League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town. The Gunners went behind in the 16th minute when James Collins neatly placed his header but a superb second half ensured Arsene Wenger's side continued their tradition of always advancing to the fourth round with goals from Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Yossi Benayoun.

Wenger predominantly utilizes the Carling Cup as an opportunity to give his exciting array of talented teenagers vital first-team exposure. However, last season the Frenchman opted to utilize a more first-team squad during the competition which saw the North London giants progress to the final where they were notoriously beaten by Birmingham City.

Wenger went with a combination of youth and experience at the Emirates with the likes of Johan Djourou, Yossi Benayoun and Marouane Chamakh all featuring to provide leadership and direction whilst teenagers Carl Jenkinson, Ignasi Miquel, Emmanuel Frimpong and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all started. It was the latter who was arguably the star of the show too; Oxlade-Chamberlain produced a stunning performance, particularly in the second half and secured his first goal for Arsenal in his first start.

The highly rated 18-year-old was acquired during the recent summer for £15 million from League One outfit Southampton after a stellar 2010/2011 in which the Englishman amassed 41 appearances, 10 goals and eight assists and made the PFA League One Team of the Year.

Considered one of the most devastating teenagers in England, Oxlade-Chamberlain showed why Wenger regards him so highly and also evoked his ability to potential reignite the Gunners' damp season.

Bleacher Report establishes five reasons why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can be the saviour for Arsene Wenger.

5. Blistering Speed and Impressive Balance

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is quick. The England U-21 star constantly showed for Southampton his devastating pace with charges down the wings. Furthermore, the teenager is not an erratic dribbler; Oxlade-Chamberlain consistently shows balance and composure with the ball which allows greater ease to evade defenders and offload the ball.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's pace and balance can become a huge asset to the Arsenal attack as the Englishman has the ability to break defensive lines via through-balls or plain, powerful dribbling. As Arsenal desire more spark in attack, Oxlade-Chamberlain can certainly provide that.

4. Flair and Versatile

The 18-year-old is not only quick but also possesses an exciting array of skill and quick feet. Oxlade-Chamberlain can take on and evade defenders through his combination of speed and trickery which, close to goal, will enable greater attacking dimensions for the Gunners.

Furthermore, the Englishman is a versatile prospect. Although primarily a winger, Oxlade-Chamberlain is equally adept as a striker and as an attacking midfielder. This enables Wenger to deploy the former Southampton ace in a range of position and will ultimately provide more depth should inevitable injuries kick in at the Emirates.

3. Pressure Enforced on Andrei Arshavin and Theo Walcott

Arsenal boast high-quality wingers. Since Wenger's tenure began in North London in 1996, the Gunners have become renowned for exciting, devastating wingers. The Frenchman has produced the likes of Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pires, Alexander Hleb and Samir Nasri and currently has Andrei Arshavin and Theo Walcott at his disposal.

The two are considered the first-choice wing players in Arsenal's three-man forward line and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's presence and form will enforce mass pressure on the duo to perform or risk losing their starting position.

The duo have both endured lapses in form throughout the last year but are both evoking returns to prime form. However, failure to provide for the Gunners could result in reserve football, potentially, thanks to Oxlade-Chamberlain.

2. Powerful and Dangerous Shot

It was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's superb 25-yard strike that saw Arsenal take the lead and begin to dominate the game. It was a fantastic effort particularly as the Gunners rarely score goals of such nature. It is a tendency for Wenger's squads to be tentative to shoot from long range or even outside the box. However, the 18-year-old showed his shooting capabilities, which is another reason why the Englishman can be such a threat for Arsenal.

The presence of a defiant long-range shooter will inevitably inspire others to attempt the efforts. The Gunners need to find goals from other options than the constant crossing and quick play around the box, and Oxlade-Chamberlain can provide a new dimension of goals through his powerful right foot.

1. Intelligence and Development

Many liken Oxlade-Chamberlain to Theo Walcott. The duo are both blistering quick and products of Southampton's renowned youth academy. However, one thing that is clearly evident is the intelligence and composure Chamberlain possesses compared to Walcott.

Walcott has a tendency to often make poor decisions when attacking with the ball. The 22-year-old is guilty of poor deliveries and ineffective runs despite boasting immense attacking traits. Chamberlain, on the other hand, was commended for his intelligence with the ball, providing correct passes, teasing defenders and most importantly crossing and shooting when necessary.

What is more exciting for Arsenal fans is that the Englishman is just 18 and yet has huge development to gain. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will grow with experience and time and the end result should be fantastic.