Arsene Wenger has hinted that he’ll stick with Lukas Podolski as the spearhead of the Arsenal attack despite his muted showing against Manchester United.

The German international was preferred ahead of Theo Walcott and Gervinho for the central attacking position last weekend but managed only one shot at goal, a first half effort parried away by David de Gea, and 25 passes during an ineffective 70 minutes on the pitch.

With Olivier Giroud suspended for Saturday’s away day versus Harry Redknapp’s relegated QPR and the visit of Wigan to the Emirates on Tuesday 14th, the boss has suggested that the 27-year-old should, all going to plan, get another chance to prove himself as a striker.

Unless of course, he’s just trying to trick ‘Arry and Roberto…

“He has the qualities because he is a good finisher,” the manager told Arsenal Player.

“He has a good technique and because we have a game based on very quick combinations I believe he can be a part of that. Overall I am convinced in the coming games he will show it.

“At the moment, yes [I will play Podolski in the middle]. A definite decision has not been made but if there is an opportunity then there is a good chance I will do it.”

Back in November Podolski spoke openly about his preference for playing in the middle (hardly surprising given he’d spent the last couple of seasons in that position for Cologne), however, it does look as though his well-publicised ankle problem is hampering his mobility now he has been given the opportunity.

There were times last Sunday when he just couldn’t keep up with the pace of the game, often preferring to lay the ball off and casually jog to the edge of the box rather than sprint into a more dangerous area. Moreover, having not won any of his five headed duels against United it’s clear that he doesn’t represent the same physical threat as Giroud…mind you nor do the other options.

For all his kind words above, it wouldn’t massively surprise Arseblog News if Wenger returns Podolski to the bench at QPR with Theo shuffled inside and the Ox or Gervinho starting on the right.