Who needs a new striker?

Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Arsene Wenger spent all summer telling anyone who would listen that he didn’t need a new striker. Unfortunately, the “Arsene knows” mantra has dimmed over the years and there weren’t many who believed him. Their fears were largely confirmed when the new season commenced with the Gunners appearing blunt in attack and topping the charts for missed chances.

On Wednesday night however, Wenger may just have found the solution for the centre forward position.

Unlikely as it may seem, Mathieu Flamini’s two goals against Tottenham in the League Cup, were both goals that any striker would have been proud of. The Frenchman has been on the periphery so far this season. Rumours of his departure from the club during the summer transfer window were rife and many wondered why he had decided to remain at the Emirates, once the window had closed, with the general perception being that he was no longer good enough to play for Arsenal. On Wednesday night, Flamini had a point to prove.

Although not the most talented player to ever wear the famous red and white shirt, Flamini is certainly up there when it comes to heart, commitment and desire. When he steps onto the field of play, he is the embodiment of every Arsenal fan watching the game. Flamini will put his body on the line, chase down lost causes and crunch into full blooded tackles time and time again. It’s what he lives for and exactly why Arsenal supporters accept his limitations and love him.

Against Tottenham, Wenger deployed his compatriot alongside Mikel Arteta at the base of the midfield and in place of Francis Coquelin. However while Flamini did well to nullify the threat of Christian Eriksen, the Frenchman covered so much ground, he was literally everywhere. From helping to screen the back four, to surging forward in support of the attack or to help pressure Tottenham high up the pitch, his energy levels were unbelievable. If only Arsenal had more players willing to run themselves into the ground for the sake of the team.

It was as a result of two of these forward forays that Flamini found himself on the scoresheet to cement his name in Arsenal folklore as an unlikely match winner of the North London derby. His first goal was just reward for his anticipation as he gambled on Michele Vorm failing to parry Oxlade-Chamberlain’s shot away from danger. As Oxlade-Chamberlain lined up the shot, Flamini was already on the move, darting into the penalty area. As a result, when Vorm parried the effort, Flamini was first on the scene to confidently fire a shot high into the roof of the net. It was a true striker’s goal and one which both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud should take note of, as far too often they are too slow to react in such circumstances and the chance is lost. Had Flamini not gambled, the Tottenham defenders would have had a simple clearance to make, but instead the Frenchman was able to celebrate in front of the Tottenham supporters, rubbing salt into their wounds.

Arsenal were pegged back in the second half, as Tottenham pilled on the pressure and the Gunners struggled to retain possession, with the ball continually coming back at them. An own goal from Callum Chambers brought the score level. It was a goal that could have been prevented had Ospina communicated with his defender informing him to leave it and allow the goalkeeper to simply collect the cross but Tottenham were now in the ascendancy and could have taken the lead through Harry Kane’s acrobatic effort which was excellently headed off the line by Kieran Gibbs.

Wenger needed to make a change and the decision to introduce Alexis Sanchez in place of Joel Campbell completely changed the game. Suddenly the Gunners were able to retain possession and began to pose a real threat. Neither side wanted the match to go into extra time and with twelve minutes left, Flamini made sure it didn’t.

As Arsenal attacked with Sanchez on the left wing, Fazio’s attempted clearance sent the ball high into the night sky. Flamini was the only player to show the hunger and desire to surge forward and get onto the ball. This was his opportunity to really write his name into Arsenal’s history. As the ball seemed to take an age to fall back to earth, Flamini had to get everything right. The Frenchman needed to maintain eye contact with the ball at all times, get his stride pattern right, connect with the ball at the right moment and keep his effort low and on target. There were so many things that could have gone wrong but this was Flamini’s night and he got everything spot on to fire home a wonderful volley which flew into the bottom corner of the net, sending the Arsenal fans wild in celebration. It was a goal which will live long in the memory, one which the very best players in the World would have been proud of.

At the final whistle, Flamini walked towards the travelling Arsenal supporters to thank them for their support, throwing his shirt into the crowd as a sign of his appreciation. But it was he who deserved the acclaim. In the space of 90 minutes he had reminded everyone of his qualities and essentially saved his Arsenal career. The goals were a fantastic bonus, but Flamini’s all-round performance must surely put him firmly in the manager’s thoughts as he ponders his first team selection for the game at Leicester on Saturday, especially with Coquelin potentially out injured. Football is a funny game at times and who knows, if Flamini continues this goal scoring form, he may well find a permanent place in the starting line up as the Gunners centre forward. After all, he is now the club’s joint top scorer for the season!