When Arsène Wenger introduced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as one of Arsenal's first meaningful forays in the latest transfer market, it was a reflection of a nervy summer that reaction among the faithful was not entirely positive. This, it must be said, was no reflection on the latest whiz-kid who sped up the M3 from Southampton to inject some young, English energy. It was a manifestation of the frustration that when experienced defenders were the order of the day, a teenaged winger showed up. It brought to mind Rafael Benítez's famous complaint when the Valencia board took no notice of his ideas for team strengthening: "I asked for a table, they brought me a lampshade."
Reconstructing Arsenal in this era of financial madness remains a complex business. But the early signs are that in Oxlade-Chamberlain the club have recruited a player whose promise means it was absolutely right to sign him, regardless of whether he was a table or a lampshade. Against Olympiakos, with a smart goal he served notice of worth, becoming the youngest English player – at 18 years and 44 days – to score for Arsenal in the Champions League. Not for nothing are the message boards referring to him as the "Ox in the box".
A normal career path for Oxlade-Chamberlain would have seen him start Carling Cup matches and enjoy bits and pieces of higher-profile games as a substitute. But these are not normal times. So overburdened is the treatment room at London Colney, the kid was granted a Champions League debut just a week after his scoring role in the Carling Cup against Shrewsbury.
It is one thing making your mark on opponents from England's fourth tier, another to take the initiative against the perennial Greek champions. With his first meaningful contribution, Oxlade-Chamberlain gave another demonstration not only of his skill but also his assuredness and willingness to showcase his worth.
With all young talents given opportunities early, the question always boils down to whether they have the personality to express themselves, or prefer to play safe and avoid mistakes. Oxlade-Chamberlain is showing the mettle to seize the day. "He's a very confident boy, a very strong boy," said Pat Rice, standing in for the suspended Wenger. "The Arsenal supporters are going to see a lot of this boy."
The game was in its opening phase when, with a clever run to drift in between Olympiakos's thin blue line, he gave himself a half-chance. Collecting Alex Song's pass, he surged across the face of goal. Ivan Marcano did not do enough to disturb his run, and the youngster measured his chance and drilled a shot through Olof Mellberg's legs and into the far corner. It was his weaker foot, too. His face was a picture, as if he couldn't quite believe he had scored on this stage, that only a few months ago he would have been watching admiringly on the television. Up in the director's box, Wenger was up on his feet, leading the applause.
When André Santos angled in a second, it ought to have made for a comfortable evening. But this being the Arsenal creation that can concede at any moment, Oxlade-Chamberlain found himself less involved as Olympiakos began to force the issue. Five minutes into the second half came another glimpse of goal but this time the teenager was not quite as a decisive, allowing the goalkeeper, Franco Costanzo, to block.
Comparisons with Walcott are easily made – both were highly coveted attacking graduates from the Southampton academy who signed for Arsenal. Oxlade-Chamberlain is a different build to Walcott. He is a couple of inches taller and considerably broader and has strength and control in his game, rather than relying on sheer pace. Walcott, watching on from the stands with his girlfriend, and knowing how much onus there is to produce even in youth, will have been impressed.
"He's very friendly with Theo, who gives him the benefit of his experience," noted Rice. "He's got a big challenge trying to get in front of Theo, who won't give in easy."
Oxlade-Chamberlain's nose for goal, despite his rawness at the top level, is a massive bonus for an Arsenal team who are over-reliant on Robin van Persie. The Dutchman was held back here, rested with half an eye on Sunday's more challenging trip to White Hart Lane. With Wenger's pack shuffled, there was a chance for some of the B-listers to make an impression. For the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Andrey Arshavin form remains elusive.
Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be rushed by Wenger, but it is reassuring for the manager to know he has a talent who is perhaps more ready for the big time than he anticipated. The boy had a debut to forget at Old Trafford. Now the future has begun in earnest.
Source: Amy Lawrence, The Guardian on 28 Sep 11
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