Life’s A Pitch: Van Persie and Oxlade-Chamberlain, the perfect match?

Much has changed for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since the turn of the year. There he was in 2011, a peripheral member of Arsenal’s squad, limited to playing only in low priority games.

But 2012 is shaping up to be the year of the Ox. Not only has the former Southampton player been involved in the majority of games, but along with Robin van Persie, he’s largely heralded as one of the key reasons behind the Gunners’ upturn in form. Not bad for an 18-year-old.

But for a player of such obvious potential and versatility, the big question appears to be what is his best position? Most seem to suggest keeping him on either wing until he develops into a central midfield role. But Adrian Clarke, who as a former Arsenal player himself, knows a thing or two about what’s required, believes a partnership with Van Persie in attack is the position to best showcase his many talents.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s rapid emergence might not be great news for everyone, though. The Telegraph’s Jason Burt, a Life’s A Pitch panellist, believes Theo Walcott might find his future lies elsewhere if the Ox maintains his improvement.

But all in all, Arsenal’s march towards Champions League qualification, plus considerable talk of signing new players ahead of the summer, has seen the chances of Van Persie extending his contract increasing by the day, explain our pundits.

Arsenal aren’t the only London club enjoying better times, though. Chelsea’s dramatic comeback win over Napoli proved there was still life in the old dog yet, especially captain John Terry who played a crucial role in the victory. Watch our panellists discuss their stirring win.

Plus, we’ve got all the usual transfer news, a competition to win five signed Celtic shirts from the 2008/09 cup-winning team. And this week’s top Fanzone post comes from Nottingham Forest supporter Peter Blackburn who calls on football to take a moral stand after unsavoury chants from Derby fans about the recently deceased Forest owner Nigel Doughty.

Expert pundit videos

“If the club get it right this summer, Van Persie will stay”

With Arsenal set for a top-four finish, plus plans afoot to strengthen the team, the Life’s A Pitch panel expects Van Persie to extend his contract this summer.
Good news ahead? >

“Walcott’s future might lie elsewhere” if the Ox keeps developing

Arsenal fans were buzzing over Oxlade-Chamberlain’s stand-out performance against AC Milan last week. But is his emergence bad news for Walcott?
Walcott on way out? >

Napoli match proves “Terry is still a top-class centre half”

The Life’s A Pitch team discusses the pivotal role that John Terry played in Chelsea’s stirring comeback win over Napoli in the Champions League.
Captain fantastic >

Hazard to Man Utd, AC Milan want Tevez, Bendnter to Hannover?

Get the latest transfer news involving Man Utd, Man City, Sunderland, and Arsenal with the Life’s A Pitch panel.
Transfer talk >

Lively opinion blogs

Van Persie and Oxlade-Chamberlain: the perfect match

Former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke explains why he believes Oxlade-Chamberlain’s best position would be just behind Van Persie.
Made for each other >

Szczesny against Krul in the battle of the young goalkeepers

Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny and Newcastle’s Tim Krul go head-to-head this evening, and as Mike Calvin points out, the talented keeping duo has much in common.
Fighting to be number one >

‘Kenny Out’ campaign at Liverpool a taste of things to come

A campaign to oust Kenny Dalglish may be ridiculous, writes Mike Calvin, but it’s an indication of fans’ frustration at the lack of development at Liverpool.
Uprising >

Mancini chooses ambition over credibility for Man City

Allowing Carlos Tevez back into the fold at Man City is a big blow to Roberto Mancini’s credibility, writes Mike Calvin.
Compromise >

Competition: win a Celtic shirt signed by the 2008/09 cup-winning team!

We’ve got five Celtic shirts from the 2008/09 season to give away.
Enter our competition >

Fanzone post of the week

A derby day to be ashamed of

After unsavoury chants marred Nottingham Forest’s match against Derby County at Pride Park, it’s time football took a moral stand.
Tipping point >

Visit Life’s A Pitch

The football website for big interviews, expert pundits and blogs from the UK’s top writers.

Visit Life’s A Pitch