Ramsey’s absence could be a positive for Arsenal
Ramsey’s unavailability is a positive for Arsenal – Here’s why! by SE
Albeit Arsene Wenger, in his press conference on Friday, said that Ramsey faces a late fitness test to feature for Arsenal in this all-important Premier League meeting against the defending champions, chances are that he could well sit this game out and regain fitness for the midweek Champions League game in Dortmund. Now, with the presumption that Ramsey doesn’t overcome the ‘ankle sprain’ he incurred on his national duty, how could it change dynamics of Arsenal’s setup against Manchester City? And, how could Ramsey’s unavailability be a positive for Arsenal?
Ramsey’s unavailability – A positive for Arsenal
The Welshman has indeed been a talisman for the North Londoners in the last couple of seasons and, it was his absence due to the thigh injury – during the 2013/14 campaign – that derailed Arsenal from clinching the Premier League title. The other conspicuous factor is that, as and when Ramsey got fit in time for last season’s FA Cup Semi-Final and Final, Arsenal did benefit immensely from the Welshman’s return.
Now, coming to Saturday’s game against Manchester City, how could Ramsey’s absence change the dynamics of Arsenal setting up? Ramsey, Sanchez and Ozil – in that order – are Arsenal’s three most important players at this minute; Sanchez will continue to play in his position, while Ramsey can’t make it. When it comes to Ozil, he has struggled and looked his unlike self, while playing as a winger and, if I was Wenger, I’d look at playing him centrally, in place of Ramsey.
Ozil, when he plays centrally, does orchestrate the way Arsenal function as a team and, from his work rate point of view, reprieves him from his defensive duties. Ozil’s form is pivotal to Arsenal’s season, and what better way than having the German getting back to his ‘best’ against Manchester City.
Final Thought
In Ramsey’s absence, Wenger should deploy Ozil as a straight swap in position, for the Welsh wizard. The more prosaic tactic would be to inject Wilshere, who is considered as the more natural option to play in that advanced midfield role; but, in a game of this magnitude, I’ll turn to my big match players, and, Ozil would be the one in my book.
