The Arsenal midfielder is on a season loan from Chelsea, but where he will play is football next year is still unclear.
When Arsenal fans were predicting their team’s line-up against Tottenham at the weekend, few would have called it correctly.
Yossi Benayoun was Wenger’s wildcard selection, picked ahead of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho.
With Andrei Arshavin now departed, the on-loan attacker will hope for more chances in the remaining 12 Premier League games.
He certainly did not let his manager down, and could even start against AC Milan in the dead rubber next week.
It has been a tricky season for Benayoun, who is trying to relaunch his career after an injury plagued spell at Chelsea.
He has spent the majority of his time at the Emirates watching from the sidelines, despite the Gunners’ indifferent and unpredictable form.
His teammates have failed to convince, so it is only fair that Benayoun gets a chance to show what he can do.
It is imperative he takes his chance, his career depends on it.
Up until last weekend he had shown very little to indicate Arsenal should sign him up on a permanent deal.
Most supporters will remain far from convinced, which is why Benayoun has it all to do.
It is very unlikely he has a future at Chelsea either, so he really is playing for his future.
He will be looking to recapture the form of his Liverpool days which had supporters wondering why he was even sold.
His next league game for Arsenal? A return to Anfield. The perfect stage to start making his case.
– Should Arsenal sign Benayoun permanently or is he just a short-term option?
image: © wonker
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