Randall, Gibbs & Wilshere The Future, Simpson Is Not

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will run the rule over Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs ahead of Sunday’s end of season clash against Sunderland.

Gibbs and Randall, both 18 have spent 3 months on loan recently at Norwich and Burnley respectively, and both have scored goals in their first games since returning to the club. Wenger has spoken with Neil Banfield in the past week, and has decided to look at the two youngsters and asses them ahead of next season.

“I could give one or two players an early breather because they go to Euro 2008 or the African qualifiers.

“So Kieran Gibbs, who got on the bench last weekend, could be involved again, so could Mark Randall. But I am really not sure yet.”

Quotes From Arsenal.com

However Wenger did not talk about Jay Simpson, who has spent the year on loan at Millwall and many feel deserves a chance to perform following his hat-trick against Dorchester on Tuesday. It now seems that Simpson will have to find himself a new club during the summer.

Steve Bould has spoken about the positives and negatives from the Under 18s season, and the former Arsenal defender has heaped praise on starlet and top scorer Jack Wilshere.

He also praised his “special” squad and talked about the development of his players, but also rued what could have been, and admitted his disappointment at injuries to Henri Lansbury.

“We knew from the beginning that they were a special group and they have come on really well. I would not have expected Jack Wilshere who is still of school boy age would be training full time with the first team.

But the kid has done really well, and has impressed in the Reserves games he has played, and i hope and expect his progress to continue”

Read more from Steve Bould, as well as an interview with Jay Simpson in the Arsenal Match day Programme.

Article By – J.Sanderson

48 thoughts on “Randall, Gibbs & Wilshere The Future, Simpson Is Not

  • May 9, 2008 at 1:10 pm
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    Jay Simpson deserves a chance, even if it is only pre-season friendlies. Why release him now when he hasn’t even played a senior game?

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:13 pm
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    hmm.. why isn’t jay simpson given an opportuniy? i tot he was the player of the year for the championship…

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:14 pm
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    Its good to have players with a variety of attributes, just because Simpson isn’t a classic Wenger type player does not mean we should get rid of him. I had hoped that we learned this lesson over the years.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:18 pm
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    I agree with Arse&Nose, some players have been released or sold too early. I thought this last year about Anthony Stokes. I know he hasn’t done anything at Sunderland but it might have been a lot different if he could have completed the season in Scotland (where he was the top scorer) and then come back to Arsenal and benefit from the training methods of Wenger.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:25 pm
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    It seems stupid, Loaning and developing players if you wont give them a chance.

    Dissapointing.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:25 pm
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    This Jay simpson problem is reminding me of David Bentley.
    Wenger should of gave more chances to David but in the end he got off but what I can’t understand is out of all the loan players Jay was the only one who did really well.Wenger said on arsenal tv there is 7 english players that could make it but he doesn’t know if it will be at arsenal.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:28 pm
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    I think the David Bentley situation was a little different, because he didnt get a chance so was desperate to leave.

    Whereas Jay is willing to wait for his chance, yet it still hasnt come.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:36 pm
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    True Guys but its basically coming down to Simpson ot Theo.
    He wont break into the forward line and wingers are ahead of him so basically Derby or Wigan will come calling in summer

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:40 pm
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    I meant Simps or Theo

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:40 pm
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    Frankly i rate Simpson ahead of Eboue, and if Eboue can get a game, then Simpson should at least be given a chance.

    But its like you say, he will end up leaving

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:41 pm
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    But what is a “breakthrough” anyway. Surely nobody expects Simpson to dislodge a first team player yet. To me a good season for him next year is to be involved in pre-season, play and make an impact in the Carling Cup, do well in the reserves in the meantime, and then either go out on loan or fight for a place when our Carling cup campaign ends.

    Also, he has only been at Millwall this year in League One, so even a loan in the Championship would be a progression next year.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:42 pm
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    You would expect all those things from an 18 year old, Simpson will be 20 next year.

    So it looks like the only way for him to develop is to move on.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:43 pm
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    Well If Simpson dont make it then Wenger better bring a player in this summer for right wing because I can’t take eboue as right wing again NOWAY!

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:44 pm
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    I think most Gooners will agree with you mate, even Denilson on the wing is better, he looked decent there in the Champions League.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:44 pm
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    I mean Theo is taking over from Hleb, then Rocks LM followed by Traore,Vela,Gibbs,Randall,Fran,Diaby plus the new creative midfielder probably Gourcruff or Krancjar maybe Ben Arfa/Nasri.
    Anyways where does Jay fit in and at his age he is bound to get itchy for first team so I think another loan season this time at Derby in championship or Wigan with Bruce and then decided is Jay surplus to requirements, is too soon ,too big of a step up.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:45 pm
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    In Arsene’s mind, he just dun like english player.
    Bentley simply far more better then eboue and diaby at the wing.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:47 pm
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    Just because simpson did well at millwall does not mean he’s good enough for arsenal. Stokes proved that. Whoever else on the board said he could have made it for arsenal obviously has not seen him play for sunderland this year. he’s a championship player, as is simpson. Sell him for £2m and invest that in other kids that have a better chance of making it at arsenal

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:50 pm
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    One more positive loan season and 2million could become 5

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:51 pm
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    How do you know they will never be good enough, unless you give them a chance? whats the point in loaning players or developing them if you will never give them a chance to show the talents?

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:52 pm
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    Totaly gobsmacked!! Didn’t Simpson just won the PFA footballer of the season? Or is Arsenal implying that he won it by fluke? What the fuck more do Arsenal want? Somebody please tell me what the fuck is going on?

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:54 pm
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    I 100% agree sensemilla, he won the PFA Legaue 1 award.. so what its only League 1… you can only do as well as your next game, and he did really well at a piss poor club, in a new position.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:55 pm
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    Who says Jay Simpson hasn’t got a future? You? Or you just assuming that because Wenger didn’t mention him? You might as well add Barazite and Nordvelt to name but two to that list if that’s your assumption.

    Jay Simpson out of Gibbs/Randall, has come out of his season loan with a lot more IMO, he was voted Championship Player of the Season FFS. i know he was playing in a lower league than the other two but why would/should he be looking for another club in the summer? It doesn’t add up.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 1:56 pm
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    I agree that at Arsenal you need to be a bit further down the line at 19-20 (didnt realise he was as old as this actually). But even so, is it not still wise to at least retain an interest in the player until 21-22 by loaning him to another prem club to develop.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 2:02 pm
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    I hope atleast one of the 3 players you mentioned make it at Arsenal.
    I would really love to see a English local lad in the first team, something I really missed ever since the departure of Cole..

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  • May 9, 2008 at 2:08 pm
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    I really want to see Jay play for the team at least he deserves a chance …he could be the needed help for Adebayor in the attack…any soccer lover who will like to interact with other fans and dicuss any soccer related issues should check out Soccer fan base dot com it is free to join.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 2:08 pm
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    True, it was only league 1, but if he was voted the best and considering his age surely he deserve some respect. Why are Sunu & Randall rated above him which high level of football did they play and what exactly did they achieve than Simpson? THe simple question is WHY SHOULD WE OFF LOAD HIM ?

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  • May 9, 2008 at 2:27 pm
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    Just because Wenger didn’t mention his name when talking about two others does not mean he is not in his future plans.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 2:32 pm
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    I HAVE PLAYED WITH JAY WHEN HE WAS YOUNGER HE WAS ALWAYS MILES AHEAD WHEN EVERY1 USE TO PICK HIM TO PLAY AGAINST THEM MEN WHEN HE WAS 11,THE GUY HAS DONE EVERYTHING ASKED OFF HIM HE GOES ONLOAN TO A SHIT SIDE AND THEN DOES SUPERBLY WELL THEN COMES BACK AND DOES A HAT TRICK I DONT CARE IF ITS DORCHESTER OR DERBY COUNTY JUS GIVE THE LAD A CHANCE OTHERWISE WHATS THE POINT HES BEEN AT ARSENAL SINCE HE WAS 9 NOW HES 19 GIVE HIM A CHANCE U HAVE TRAINED HIM 4 10 YEARS GIVE HIM 90 MINUTES WTF IS RONG WIV ARSENAL MAN

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  • May 9, 2008 at 2:54 pm
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    Don’t get too angry beforehand guys. He could still be picked for Sunderland, we never know.

    Maybe Wenger had already made up his mind and loaned him to increase his value.

    Reply
  • Pingback: Simpson » Randall, Gibbs & Wilshere The Future, Simpson Is Not

  • May 9, 2008 at 3:39 pm
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    God Almighty!!! Take off the bloody capslock gooner147. At least if you want anyone to read what you have said.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 3:41 pm
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    Sorry guys I don’t see Wenger offing Jay before giving him a chance AT Arsenal, it doesn’t make sense. Editor where do you get your info from to assume he’s going to be sold? I’m intrigued. You got people jumping up and down here, not me though as I don’t reckon it’s true.

    In the programme against Everton there was a piece from Jay Simpson saying he wants to play for The Arsenal and will bide his time (unlike some youngsters). He’s 19 and Wenger normally waits till a player hits 21-22 to offload them if they don’t or wont figure in the first team.

    So please stand up and put you balls on the line and let me know why you reckon Simpson is going in the summer.

    By the way I’m not having a go at you, I like this site, you give Arsenal news in another perspective, but I dont want your site to start turning out like these others who just write stuff for the sake of it without any confirmation or validation.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 4:09 pm
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    I think Simpson is likely to be on the bench at least tomorrow. Look at our squad from the last game against Everton. I don’t think theres likely to be many established players added to it and there are plenty of candidates to be rested. Gallas, Clichy, Senderos are all off to Euros (Djourou too but not sure he needs a rest). Toure, Adebayor, Eboue have african qualifiers (Song too, see Djourou). Seeing as Gibbs was already in the squad thats a lot of potential places to be filled by just Randall. I personally think Arsenes quote means we can expect Gibbs and possibly Randall to start, the bench is wide open. Simpson has had a good year, but its important to remember it was in div 1. Gibbs and Randall deserve a chance too, and it should surprise no one that these 2 are ahead of Simpson in the pecking order.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 5:45 pm
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    It really feels, even if i thought this discussion was silly before, that Wenger puts foreign players above homegrown talents at the same level. For example i think Bentley is better than Eboué and Muamba are at least at the same level as Denilson.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 5:46 pm
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    …I really thinks that Simpson has earned his chance now!

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  • May 9, 2008 at 6:02 pm
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    has anyone commented on henri lansbury does he still have a future? even though he got injured i hope he is still given a chance.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 6:23 pm
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    Why do people keep dissing League One? it’s not a shit league. Labelling it as rubbish is very disrespectful IMO.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 6:46 pm
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    Bentley is better than Eboue SweGoo, but Eboue has absolutely nothing whatsover to do with the chances Bentley got here, or why Bentley is no longer here. If Bentley was here now and Eboue was playing ahead of him you’d have a point, or indeed if Eboue had ever played ahead of him. Wenger rated Bentley very highly, Bentley was very much part of his plans, but he wanted guaranteed first team football. Wenger rightly couldn’t give him (or any player) that. That, along with some personal issues, is why Bentley left. It was players like Pires, Ljungberg and Bergkamp keeping him out the team then, just like Hleb and Rosicky (when fit) would keep him AND Eboue out the team now. I like Muamba, and hes had a decent season, but I would be shocked beyond belief if you could find any manager in world football that would prefer to have him rather than Denilson.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 9:28 pm
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    Pete, the thing i meant was that we could have had Bentley on that position instead of Eboué. But i think this shows Wengers “favourising” of foreign players.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 9:46 pm
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    but Bentley got off because he didnt want to stay and fight for a place like some other english players pennant,Jerome Thomas and Matt connolly all didn’t want to fight aswell

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  • May 9, 2008 at 9:56 pm
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    Well if arsene dont want to play jay in a game which has no serious outcome u lose ur 3rd u win ur 3rd who gives a fuck if u carnt playin him then look what it is going to do for his confidence he has played over 50 games this season at millwall and can not play in a worthless match

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  • May 9, 2008 at 10:31 pm
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    I hope Simpson does get a chance he does however have many people infront of him especially as Troare is now being converted into a winger. That means Rosicky ,Theo, Vela, Gibbs, Rvp, Randall, Traore and Eboue can all play on the wings thats alot of players for only 2 wing positions.

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  • May 9, 2008 at 10:41 pm
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    I think you might see Simpson at Palace if he leaves.
    Warnock seems to like pace and youth in his team there and he would be a good signing.
    Wenger may as well play a whole team of reserves now anyway as the game is worthless.
    At least give the lads a chance to impress against a Premiership team.

    Reply
  • Pingback: Sam Levenback » Depth Charges and Depth Charts, Part I

  • May 10, 2008 at 8:57 am
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    I think Jay Simpson will end up like Justin Hoyt, loyal to the club but when Wenger does see his quality, he’ll stick him in the 1st team

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  • May 10, 2008 at 10:37 am
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    I don’t really see what you’re all getting upset about. AW will know the player much better than we ever could. IF he decides he can go, then he’s almost certainly not good enough. You can’t compare with Bentley, who AW wanted to keep. The gulf in class between div 1 and the PL is massive….can you imagine the destruction Theo would cause if playing in div. 1?!

    So just let events run their course.

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  • May 10, 2008 at 12:08 pm
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    Wengersbrain its all relative, if you’re comparing division 1 to the premiership, division 1 doesn’t look too good. Division 1 isn’t as good as the championship, and the premiership is streets ahead of the championship (just ask Derby). Then when you consider the top four being significantly ahead of the rest of the prem, you must realise how big a step div 1 to Arsenal is, even for the best in division 1. I’m sure Division 1 is a good competition in its on right, I’ve enjoyed the matches I’ve seen from it, but it’s the third division for a reason. Its the same with players, many have called Eboue rubbish on here, I know what I think of him, when really he isn’t rubbish at all. If he were truly rubbish he’d get nowhere near the premiership let alone the Arsenal team. He’s just rubbish (as a winger) in comparison to what we’ve come to expect from an Arsenal player.

    Anyone here know who Billy Sharp is? I bet there is at least a few who have never heard of him, and I don’t blame them. He won the PFA award the year before Simpson as a 21 year old after scoring 30 goals in 45 league games for Scunthorpe. Now plays for Sheffield utd and isn’t exactly tearing the championship apart (4 goals in 29 games). Any Arsenal fan that suggested we should buy Billy Sharp a year a go would have been laughed at, and justifiably so. Don’t get me wrong I’m not suggesting Sharps and Simpsons situations are exactly the same, or belittling Simpsons talent or achievement, its great he won it and you really couldn’t ask for much more from him in the circumstances! I’m just trying to put a little perspective on the issue.

    For the record, as per my post above, I think there is a good chance he’ll be on the bench tomorrow, and I hope he gets a chance to show what he can do, I like the guy and I do think he has talent. But if Wenger lets him go, so be it, I’m with one_gus on this one, I can’t think of a single player Wenger has let leave due to them not being good enough, that went on to prove otherwise elsewhere. Please don’t mention Bentley, for the last time he forced his own way out of the club by making demands of guaranteed first team football Arsene couldn’t possibly meet. He didn’t have the patience to be backup to Bobby and Freddy, and he had the arrogance to think he should be guaranteed games at their expense.

    SweGoo, I don’t understand how you think we could still have Bentley. Do you think we should of dropped one of Ljungberg or Pires at the start of the 05/06 season? As I said before Eboue and Bentley have nothing to do with each other, so quite how you’ve concocted a theory of how the two of them somehow represent Wengers favouring of foreign players I have no idea. Eboue was content to not be first choice and ended up playing a lot of games this year through injuries to other player (particularly Rosicky, but also Van Persie and Eduardo which meant Hleb was often used as 2nd striker, or the 4-5-1 was applied). He also likely wouldn’t have got half as many games had Walcott started the season the way he is finishing it. Bentley was not content to be backup and forced his own way out the club. In their short time together at the club Eboue was never once selected ahead of Bentley. On top of all that Eboue was already an established first team player before he moved to wing, having previously been the first choice right back, and a pretty good one at that. I really am struggling to see your point here mate, I’m not trying to be antagonistic, I just don’t get it at all.

    Sorry for the mammoth post!

    Reply
  • May 10, 2008 at 1:25 pm
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    the hoyte brothers could be the new neville brothers.

    Reply

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