It would certainly have come as a surprise seeing who scored the first goal for Arsenal in their 3-1 win over Sunderland. It wasn’t Olivier Giroud or Mesut Ozil but one player who hasn’t had the best of times in an Arsenal shirt, Joel Campbell.
The Costa Rican only started the game due to the many injuries picked up by his teammates, but he took his chance last time around when he played against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League and also did his chances no harm when he scored against Sunderland.
Campbell ran onto a through ball from whom else but Mesut Ozil to start the scoring and although he didn’t do much more in the game, this still should be a reason for him to get more games for Arsenal.
A chance to shine for Joel
The Costa Rican has shown that when he gets a chance, he is willing to take it. The Champions League game against Zagreb is a prime example of that, he also did his chances no harm by getting onto the score sheet, but he probably would end up on the bench when the other players are back for Arsenal.
He should, however, be given a few more chances to prove his ability to Arsene Wenger and the fans. Campbell was one of the stars in the 2014 World Cup and the longer he played for Costa Rica in the starting XI the better he got as the competition progressed.
Arsenal have a lot of qualities, but the 23-year-old has the pace and ability to give Arsenal something different. He isn’t a Theo Walcott, in fact, his built is much bigger than most wingers in the league and that should work in his favour once he gets to play on a regular basis.
He already has played 11 times this season and scored 2 goals, while last season for the Gunners he only managed 10 appearances all season. Campbell isn’t the finished article yet, there are many aspects of his game which needs to be developed, but that can only take place when he plays regularly.
Arsene Wenger does have a lot of faith in him; hence his chances in the first team but this could be his last chance as well. If Campbell doesn’t perform like this on a regular basis he could well be shipped out of the club as there are many players coming through the system and Campbell would be blocking their progress.
The injuries to Cazorla and co. might have worked in Campbell’s favour now but it is only a matter of time before they are fit and that is the only time Joel has on his hands to prove that he belongs at Arsenal.