Dixon: The performance against Milan was awful, the dead weight needs to go

The former Gunners full-back Lee Dixon also expressed dismay after Arsenal’s poor performance and was puzzled as to why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on the bench. 


Dixon told Betfair: Everything that could go wrong in the game did and it was a really, really poor performance. There are not a lot of positives, to be honest with you. It’ll be difficult for Arsene to pick the players up before a massive FA Cup tie at Sunderland this weekend. 


He’s got his work cut out. I was surprised Oxlade-Chamberlain wasn’t starting the game. He’s been the man in form. Yes, he’s a young lad but he’s shown he can handle the big occasions. We saw after 60-odd minutes what he can do, and he certainly asked questions of the Milan defence. 


I don’t think [Arsenal] will keep a clean sheet. Milan have got enough about them to score at the Emirates which will make the task impossible. I think it’s beyond them now. 


Wenger obviously wanted to rest ‘The Ox’ with some crucial fixtures coming up and he is wanting to avoid overplaying the youngster as the Frenchman is keen to prevent another Wilshere-like situation. 


But the 18-year-old demonstrated when he did come on how important a player he will be this season, which begs the question is it worth renewing Walcott’s contract? The Englishman has produced some amazing performances in the past but really has failed to live up to the initial hype and it seems his development is plateauing, as with Ramsey. 


To answer the question of whether he should be offered a new contract, I think yes, but he certainly shouldn’t be starting week in, week out. Gervinho and The Ox have much more to offer.