Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Premier League scoring totals in his six seasons at Arsenal tell the story of a player whose attacking potential was wasted.
Two goals in 2011-12, one in 2012-13, two in 2013-14, one in 2014-15, one in 2015-16 and two in 2016-17. Nine in total in the space of six years under Arsene Wenger.
In 20 games with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, the Ox has now got three goals – more than he managed in any of those seasons at Arsenal.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates scoring in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Man City last weekend
The Ox now has three goals in the Premier League this season for Liverpool – already more than he scored in any of his seasons with Arsenal
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gives Oxlade-Chamberlain a hug after Sunday’s victory
The 24-year-old attacker should not get ahead of himself, of course. Three goals in the grand scheme of things is not a lot.
What it is, however, is a sign that he can contribute more at his new club than he did the other. It is certainly a start.
The Ox’s first goal for Liverpool following his £35million move was against West Ham in a 4-1 win and his second was against Swansea in a 5-0 win.
His third was more vital – the opener against Manchester City at Anfield that got Liverpool on their way to a 4-3 win in what was the game of the season so far.
He drove at the Premier League leaders’ defence, forcing his way past Fernandinho and striking a low shot beyond Ederson. It showed a direct side to him under Klopp.
Oxlade-Chamberlain fires home to open the scoring in Liverpool’s thrilling win over City
The England international celebrates with a knee slide in front of the Liverpool fans at Anfield
Before facing City, the Ox had said: ‘First and foremost, I am the type of person who relishes the chance to stand up and perform under pressure.’
He did precisely that, winning man of the match and continuing a sure start to life in Liverpool.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s dribble success rate is currently the best it has been in his career (62.9 per cent). He has attempted 62 – already more than he did three out of six seasons at Arsenal.
His set-piece deliveries have been an asset too.
The new man assisted Virgil van Dijk for his debut winning goal in the Merseyside derby.
He also took the free-kick which led to Ragnar Klavan’s stoppage-time winner against Burnley at Turf Moor four days before that.
Oxlade-Chamberlain took a £60,000-a-week pay cut to leave Arsenal for Liverpool
Oxlade-Chamberlain never scored more than two Premier League goals in an Arsenal season
The Ox was used out of position on occasion by Wenger, such as at wing-back, but what he wanted was the opportunity for freedom further forward and a chance in central midfield.
It is his preferred position and precisely why he agreed to a £60,000 pay-cut to move to Merseyside.
Arsenal offered Oxlade-Chamberlain £180,000 a week but he signed a contract worth £120,000 with Liverpool.
There are others who have been held back at Arsenal, arguably a graveyard of talent.
Theo Walcott, who left for Everton for £20m last week, was among those. He is likewise hoping to fulfil some potential before it is too late, though Walcott is 28 while the Ox got out at 24.
Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates after scoring for Arsenal at Bournemouth in February 2016
The next task for Oxlade-Chamberlain is to help Liverpool win silverware once again
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first appearance for Liverpool was as a substitute against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in September, ending in a 5-0 loss. In four months, the England international has shown signs of why £35m was not such a extortionate price after all.
He appears to be the German’s type of player. As Klopp said previously: ‘I could not have had kind of an idea of what a good guy he is, to be honest. If you asked me what is better, the football player or the person, I would have to think a little bit about it. He is on a good way and enjoys it.’
Following Philippe Coutinho’s £145m transfer to Barcelona, there is a big gap to fill. After being written off before kicking a ball in the red of Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain can help.