Arsene Wenger played Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a more advanced role against Stoke and after the match, defended what many would deem a sloppy performance from the 22-year-old.

The Ox is currently one of the most frustrating players in our squad because he tries too hard. He reminds me of Ramsey when he was struggling to hit form after his horrendous leg break in 2010. The Ox over-complicates even the most simple of moves in an attempt to redeem wastefulness and ends up losing the ball or misplacing a pass. If he just stuck to what he knows, he would be far more useful.

Speaking after the match, Wenger, of course, was complimentary of his performance and suggested that he may start playing the forward in that position more often.

“He had very interesting moments in the game where he showed his qualities and how he can get out of pressure, go past people and get into the final third,” Wenger said.

“In the future it can be a very interesting position for him. I played him in a 4-3-3 today. Normally we play a 4-2-3-1 as players like to push forward and I think it is a position that suits him well.”

Although I personally didn’t see a huge difference in the Ox’s performance, the boss knows far more than me and if this is where he reckons the youngster should play from now on, then so be it.