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28 March 2024

Wenger or out, Podolski follows Walcott for Arsenal

Arsenal's Lukas Podolski celebrates a goal during their friendly against Cologne in Cologne. (REUTERS)

Published
By Staff

If a striker you bought in this season is not happy that is normal in the English Premier League.

If that striker is Lukas Podolski, it may raise a few eyebrows.

However, if Podolski came in knowing full well that he may not win a trophy in his first season and was willing to add Arsenal Football Club to his already-impressive resume, and then he is not happy, that is a worry.

If Podolski speaks publicly. That is a crisis. That may cost Arsene Wenger his job, or worse, he may lose Podolski and Theo Walcott leaving him with a flappy Olivier Giroud, an injured Gervinho and a desperately short of match-play or fan support Andrei Arshavin.

The Arsenal meltdown will be complete.

In the wake of another Champions League meltdown and a tough Fulham game coming up, every football pundit, from Arsenal’s own Ian Wright to Alan Shearer has flayed Arsene Wenger and the club management.

None will hurt as much as Lukas Podolski’s comments in the British Press.

Walcott bagged a hat-trick in the 7-5 Capital One Cup win over Reading from a central position and Podolski is hoping for some opportunities in that role himself sooner rather than later.

Speaking to reporters after the 2-2 draw with Schalke on Tuesday, the German admitted: "I'd rather play as a central attacker.

"On the left I have to do a lot of defensive work, constantly running up and down. I am not a classical winger."

That is a clear indictment of Wenger’s tactics, which include benching a red-hot Theo Walcott and getting ready to ship him in January.

Walcott leaving may be inevitable, but an unhappy Podolski is unlikely to stick around either. Especially ih he is set to lose out on Champions League action.

Arsenal may struggle to get out of their group and will struggle to finish in the top four.

Is it time for Wenger to go?