Alex Chamberlain’s BIG Test…

Much has been made about Chamberlain. And rightly so, he indeed looks like the future of this club. He dribbles, he passes, he has a brain and he uses it. Has he impressed me ? Yes, he has.

Arsenal’s next match is one which will shed more light on the state of the club, as they take on a Sunderland side which has been rejuvinated by the return of Martin O’ Neil. More importantly, it will test Chamberlain and his progress as a player.

He says he wants to learn :

“I’m one of the least experienced players in the squad so any player who gives me a comment always helps me, whether it is positive or constructive criticism,” he said.

“I listen to everybody. People like Thierry and Robin who score goals and are attacking players like myself, you can always learn a lot from them. That’s all I do, I listen and learn.

“I have belief in myself and in my own ability. I just know that I have to keep working hard and learn off the boys, and then hopefully the rest will come. At the moment it’s going quite well for me so I’m just going to keep working hard.”

And that is perfect for the club and his team-mates morale. Team morale is a very important aspect here, and it will play a pivtal role for Arsenal in their run-in to finish fourth this season.

Sunderland are in good form having picked up 15 points out a possible 18 in their last 6 games. Their only defeat came to Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, a game they could have drawn.

They also defeated Middlesbrough 1-2 in the FA Cup, and so we will face them again next week in a different competition.

In my opinion, if there ever was a time not to face Sunderland, it is now. Arsenal will seriously be tested and if they come out with 3 points convincingly, I don’t think top 4 will be a problem this season.

Players have said that the drubbing they gave to Blackburn on saturday may be the perfect boost for them to finish the season strongly. Well, if this is true, then the Sunderland game is the best way to prove it.