Arsenal Youngsters Set To Go Head-To-Head

Arsenal No2 Pat Rice hailed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his goal scoring performance in the 2-1 victory over Olympiakos and says he will be pushing Theo Walcott for a starting birth.

The 18-year old became the youngest Englishman to score in the Champions League and Rice thinks the fans are going to be seeing the promising forward far more often, and he and fellow speedster Theo Walcott will be fighting each other for a place in the side.

“From Arsenal supporters’ point of view, they are going to be seeing a lot of this boy,” Rice said.

“He has a big, big challenge to now get in front of Theo. I know that Theo is a very strong-willed guy as well and he won’t give in easy. It all bodes well for England anyway.”

Rice added: “Alex can go inside, he can go outside, he’s got that injection of pace and I think what he needs now is to be consistent in his play.

“I am sure that is something he will be working on because he’s certainly not a stupid boy.

“He has good people around him and they are telling him all the right things.

“Alex is very friendly with Theo and no doubt he will give him the benefit of his experience as well.”

The Gunners triumph 2-1 in a nervy game with the Greek giants and despite the victory, question marks still remain over their defensive capabilities.

Submitted by Football Friends