I think we had a thread on this last season, but now lost to the Internet gods, so we’ll start again. After signing many British players on long term contracts 4/5 years ago, to build a team around them, it’s probably fair to say it’s ultimately failed to live up to expections.
Gibbs - Has dipped in and out of the side, lost his number 1 spot to Monreal 18 months ago and hasn’t had much of a look in since. Looked at possibly leaving during the Summer, but has stayed. Undecided if he has a real future here or not.
Jenkinson - He recently returned to Arsenal after two years out on loan at West Ham. A Gooner at heart, but I don’t think it’ll be enough for him long term. If he’s ok accepting 2nd best to Bellerin, he’ll be around for a while longer, but he’s nothing more than a squad player.
Oxlade-Chamberlain - Such a massive disappointment on the lack of progression throughout his time here. In many respects, he’s stagnated, even gone backwards on some of the basics. The great first season seems like such a long time ago. You often get the feeling he’s too distracted by matters off the pitch.
Ramsey - Seemingly came of age in 13/14 where he looked unstoppable at times. But since then, for whatever reason, his performances have slowly tailed off, to the point where he looks like the former Rambo of around 4 years ago. He’s gone from taking one big step forward, to going two steps back. He’s in an awkward part of his career where he doesn’t have a locked down position, and others are getting ahead in the pecking order.
Wilshere - Injuries have completely messed his career up. Now on loan at Bournemouth. If he stays injury free there, Wenger might give him another chance, but with so much depth in midfield, I can’t help but feel he’s not going to be part of our future plans. It’s a big shame what a big prospect he was, and had some outstanding moments during his time here, but it’s hard to see them returning.
Walcott - Theo blows a bit too hot and cold. He either has moments of brilliance or spells of absolute mediority like end of last season. So far he’s had a good season, but on the face of it, he’s another player, given his age who probably hasn’t fully lived up to expections during his career, and left wanting more.
There’s one or two from this core who perhaps still have a say in being able to do something good for Arsenal, but overall, you have to say, the experiment will probably go down more towards the failure side of things. Is it down to their abilities. Would another manager get better use out of them, or were some players slightly overrated?
