A 5,500 strong crowd watched on this afternoon as Arsenal began their pre-season with a nervous 2-1 win over Barnet. The fixture saw a whole host of youngsters get the chance to impress, with two or three making their first appearances for the club.
Gael Clichy was named stand in skipper at left back, with Denilson and Ramsey the central midfield pairing. Armand Traore and Henri Lansbury were on either flank, and had the free licence to assist Walcott and Bendtner in attack.
Almunia
Sagna – Nordtveit – J.Hoyte – Clichy (c)
Lansbury – Denilson – Ramsey – Traore
Walcott – Bendtner
Barnet 1-2 Arsenal
The delightful sunshine greeted the players as they descended onto the sloping Underhill pitch ahead of the kick off, with the Arsenal boys sharing a few words of encouragement.
Arsenal won the right to kick off, and as Walcott rolled the ball to Bendtner, the new season was under way. Nordtveit got his first touch with a long slog up field, which was simple for the Barnet stopper. Ramsey then controlled before picking out Lansbury on the right wing, he dropped his shoulder and looked to burst inside.
Barnet showed some signs of an attacking prowess by first forcing Almunia into saving, and then a succession of corners. But the Gunners then stepped up and Denilson found Ramsey 25 yards out, he strolled forward before flicking Bendtner through the middle, only for a poor touch from the big Dane to end the move.
Another tidy passing move saw Traore and Clichy combine down the left, before the stand in captain found Bendtner on the edge of the box, he volleyed high and wide. Back came Barnet with a long high ball over the top, but Nordtveit showed his awareness by glancing the cross away for a throw.
Ramsey would then take control in a crowded midfield, and not fazed by the amount of bodies around him, he turned sharply before floating a cross to Sagna. His passing was rather confident with either foot, showing all the class and ability needed to play for Arsenal.
The Bees were sat deep inside their own half, and using the pass master Ramsey, Wenger’s men probed their opposition with left to right movements. However, a crunching tackle from Nordtveit allowed Barnet a free-kick on the edge of the box. Gillet curled a left footed stunner inside Almunia’s post to give the hosts a shock lead.
Goal – Kenny Gillet (15)
On the last occasion Arsenal went behind against Barnet, they came back and thumped them for 10. A similar result would see the facial expression on Arsene Wenger’s face change considerably.
Nordtveit stepped forward and won the ball for Ramsey, he fed Walcott who was muscled out by Gillet in a difficult few minutes.
Two corners saw the Gunners fight back, with Walcott and Traore getting joy down either flank. Sagna layed the ball off to Lansbury on the edge of the area, he controlled before letting fly inches over. A good spell of possession football came to no fruition for the visitors.
Nicklas Bendtner was sent crashing to the floor, but after recovering he played a part in a following counter attack. Hoyte, Denilson and Ramsey all combined to send Bendtner through. He teed up Lansbury on the edge of the area, who saw his low drive deflected away.
Whilst there were several impressive individual performances from Arsenal, but as a team the squad looked rusty and frustrated. Ramsey’s tame lashed shot at the keeper summed it up, with Bendtner’s equally poor flick simple for Barnet.
With half time approaching it was the boys in red and white who stepped up, with a jinking run from Denilson picking out Walcott who was once more snuffed out. More flowing football led to Theo twisted in the area and picking out Clichy, he composed himself but could only find the top of the stand.
Barnet 1-0 Arsenal
Arsenal changed the complete XI for the second half, with Francis Coquelin being granted a debut in midfield. Seven English talents also took the field with Vito Mannone being granted the chance to impress.
Mannone
Ogogo – G.Hoyte – Rodgers – Steer
Wilshere – Randall (c) – Coquelin – Barazite
Simpson – Fonte
Francis Coquelin’s first touch was to crunch into an early tackle, with the ball profiting for Barazite. He skipped forward before finding Jay Simpson, he twisted away and fired a looping shot at the Barnet stopper.
Birchall turned past Coquelin quickly before Mannone was sent flapping out of his area in a nervous moment for the Gunners back four. Wilshere and Barazite combined well, allowing Nacer to crash a long range effort wide.
The Reserves seemed more comfortable on the ball than their first team counterparts, and they worked a fantastic free kick position as Steer found Barazite who spotted Randall on the edge of the area. Mark dusted himself down and floated a curling effort towards the bottom corner which needed a firm hand to clear away.
Jack Wilshere was extremely bright in midfield, and the diminutive play-maker would play a superb part in Arsenal’s equaliser. Randall found Wilshere on the right wing, he raced inside before stabbing the ball through to Jay Simpson to slot over the advancing goalkeeper.
Goal – Jay Simpson (63)
By now the young guns has a taste for goals, and as Wilshere came jinking forward again he was only inches away from a perfect defence splitting pass for Simpson to double his tally. Then a mad scramble saw Paul Rodgers in the Barnet penalty area, before Randall’s volley saw Fonte crash over the bar.
Coquelin was neat and tidy on the ball and alongside Randall Arsenal had an exciting midfield combination. With Wilshere on the right hand side the Gunners had an explosive young talent, and as he blazed beyond the Barnet midfield, another goal was sensed.
He picked out Simpson on the edge of the box, who played an inch perfect pass to Barazite on the left, he strolled forward and placed the ball neatly into the far corner for 2-1.
Goal – Nacer Barazite (74)
Two further changes were made as Dunne and Szczesny entered, both making debuts for the first team. Barazite, Simpson and Steer all worked a excellent move down the left with Simpson wasting the end product in the area.
A late Barnet free-kick caused madness in the area, but Coquelin hacked the ball out and Arsenal looked for more strikes. The powerful Simpson was snuffed out in the box, before Randall’s chip was deflected away. Coquelin dragged a left footed chance wide, clearly showing the Frenchman was confident with either foot.
Francis had now come flying into the game, and found Fonte on the left hand side. The Portuguese Under 17 international saw his drive clawed out. It would prove to be the final chance of the fixture, as the referee brought proceedings to a close.
Job done for Arsenal but a hard fought victory in the end.
Barnet 1-2 Arsenal
Goals:
Kenny Gillet (15)
Jay Simpson (63)
Nacer Barazite (74)
Article By – J.Sanderson
Wow, that was fast!
Lansbury was poor tbh, Wilshere really impressed, i hope Jay Simpson gets his chance in the premiership he deserves it
Wilshere was good. Coquelin was assured and strong in the tackle.
jack wilshere looks like a a real star in the making. Where were song and diaby ?
Players that shined:
RAMSEY
WILSHERE
BARAZITE
COQUELIN
players that sucked:
LANSBURY
STEER
FONTE
the others did okay.
Song’s going to the olympics and Diaby’s injured. Ramsey apparently was class as well but I missed the first half.
I miss Robert Pires – Ty :)
Coquelin impressed me so much, considering it was his first game he just grew into the game. Reminds me of Diarra.
I thought Lansbury played well personally as he got into goal scoring postions and did well as he isnt a winger. Ramsey was class i think he would be my man of the match he ran the show and did some great passing, Wilshere and Simpson also played well. An apart from the bad tackle to give away the free kick i thought Nordveit had a great game he was strong in the air and put some great challenges in.
The first game off the season..
We should not place much store in these pre season friendlies..its just a chance for the boys to run out and get their fitness levels up and for the youngsters to impress…also a players individual performance shouldnt be dissected to deeply in these games…as someone somewhere said that you’re only as good as the players you play with…all in all great to win the first game give the young lads a bit off confidence…
I cannot watch the match clearly but I think Randall play well, especially his free kick.
JS do you agree that Ramsey looked far more assured than Denilson did?
Ramsey was excellent, his passing range was first class, and in a poor first half he was the bright light for us.
could you give player ratings?
The players that stood out for me are Ramsey, Wilshere and Coquelin
Soz to ask another question but JS do you agree with the people saying Lansbury had a poor game? As i thought he played relatively well he got into a couple of goal scoring positions although he missed badly he was trying hard and played better than Troare.
ITS ALL ABOUT THE PASS APPRECIATION BOYS
Walcott – dear oh dear he was awful. So were Fonte and Lansbury.
Paul Rodgers was good I thought, and Gavin played better than his brother.
Wilshere and Ramsey were outstanding. Coquelin and Randall disappointing.
randall played quite shit tbh.
JohnV – its all relative. Lansbury is a central midfielder by trade, he was pushed out wide in a poor game. I dont think he was the worst player out there, but not the best either.
Remember he has not played for over six months.
Coquelin did very well, good tackles and didnt give the ball away atall from what i remember, a very composed and reliable player from the look of it. Ramsey did very well, Wilshire was MOM thou, great performance, Barazite and Simpson also did well. The rest were avarage, Randall and the defencive players in general dissapointed me a bit. As did Walcott and Bendtner.
Ramsey was class. He has an amazing range of passing and an ability to find space. I don’t know how he’ll play with Cesc in the middle. They will be too similar. Both playmaking passers. Coquelin was really bright and he sees danger very early. I think he could surprise a few people.
Jay Simpson shouldn’t be sold. Not yet. I’d say give him a chance in the Premiership. He isn’t as talented as Theo but he seems mentally much more developed. We need good squad players and he would fit the bill, I think.
Nacer Barazite should also be given a chance.
Early days yet but I would have died if we’d lot to BArnet, friendly or not.
It was not impressive, but like i said in the Match Preview, we cannot expect too much too soon.
Coquelin, that was a wonderful match. :D
yo the mannnnn great stuff . do u think ramsey is ahead of denilson???????
Player ratings-
Almunia-5 first goal should have been saved
Sagna-6 average sagna running down wing
Nordtveit-6 played well but average made a couple of good tackles
J.Hoyte-6 Done what a CB does
Clichy-6 Average clichy
Lansbury-5 is not a Right Midfielder
Denilson-4 poor in his best position n played poor gave away the ball easily
Ramsey-8/9 In a poor team was the star
Traore-6 Poor crossing
Walcott-5 Was in the game but isnt ready to be top 4 strikers
Bendtner-5 Isnt the same for arsenal with Denmark
Mannone-6 Never had much to do average
Ogogo-5 Not really in his area and he didnt look like a pro footballer technique wise
G.Hoyte-5 lets the ball pass him easily
Rodgers-5 same as G.hoyte
Steer-6 Running down the wing average
Wilshere-8/9 Pulled all the strings He is a complete midfielder
Randall-7 captained the side the only bad thing was his bad tackling
Coquelin-6 undercover gilberto
Barazite-7 Good goal reminds me of pires back in the day
Simpson-7 Good finish and link up with Wilshire n Bara
Fonte-5 Missed a easy chance and is not a striker
Steady on boys, this was the time for making mistakes and improving fitness thats all.
adebayor is going nowhere! wenger stated “of course” when asked to confirm that adebayor would be with us next season. Good news fellow gunners,yes?
did anyone catch what wenger said about signings. my stream cut of at that point
Arsenal fan: we just played an unfit Division 2 outfit in a preseason friendly.
Rating is ridiculous. Here’s a more accurate rating for the entire 22+ that played…..
NOT ON LONG ENOUGH TO RATE
not a great game but it seems that the youth team outshined the older players i think we should not judge players this early on in the season
J why do you think that barazite is not in the 1st team squad on the arsenal website do you think that is a sign he will go out on loan because it’s the same with merida ,because out of the youth teams these are the players i would put into the 1st team
Arsenal played ELEVEN ENGLISH players today. Anyone know the last time that happened?
may I know why Carlos Vela didn’t play?
Barazite is an outstanding talent, and with all amazing talents Wenger likes to keep them away from the media and to allow them to develop.
I’m sure he will get his chance in the coming season.
goonerguy: he’s still very young and has lots of first teamers in front of him! I think he might go on loan in a similar experience to Bendtner to be honest. Def. one for the future but people get that mixed up with ‘now’ pretty easily it seems.
so what about Vela what happen to him, or is he injured?
J could you give us a sort of list of the brightest youth prospects in england,britian ,europe or even the world so that we can see how special some of our players are in relation to the worlds best
J, were is that news u said u would post about Sebastian Giovinco… Thanks great site mate :)
Almunia/Fabianski
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Eboue Dourou Senderos Traore
Song/Diaby/Denilson
Nasri Fab Rosicky
Walcott Ramsey Vela
Adabayor V.Persie
Bentdner Eduardo
The best of the younger players will be loaned out for experience. Randall, Gibbs, Merida, Bothelo, Simpson, Barazite
I think Randall is ready and I think he’ll stay.
“I think Randall is ready and I think he’ll stay.”
He was poor today, not quick enough on the ball, sloppy passing and tackling, but ive seen enough of him to be able to say its definatly a 1 off, every1 has bad games now and again. Hes a great passer and definatly has a chance.
i really hope simpson is allowed to stay…he can be really useful for fa cup/cc games/ given proper training he can be prem standard imo
remember he’s only 19!
In the after game interview, Wenger hinted that he will be making signings.
Ramsey was class. Jack was class. Coquelin played well and hard in his first game.Nordtveit did a pretty good job. Barazite
had a good game. Steer was ok.
hey gr8 work mate. nice analysis of the match
AW said 1 or 2 of the youngsters will be pushing the first team – do you think it could be Barazite and Simpson? I was really disappointed with Traore who I think Wenger wants to try wide left. Barazite could do a better job there, cutting in, he has more power and will get goals. Wilshere was class and hopefully will get a game in the CC. Ramsey is a quality buy and I believe will see him get some premiership action.
Lansbury was good, someone tell me how he sucked. His passing was crisp, he got the ball off of his foot quickly, and he was very fast mentally. Not to mention that he was unpredictable to defend the entire first half.
Hey did you guys watch Arsene’s post-match interview? I was told he hinted at some imminent signings. What did he say?
WE HAVE THE NEW PAUL SCHOLES. RAMSEY WAS INCREIBLE. HE LOOKS SO ASSURED AND NEVER LOSES THE BALL.
I LIKED BARAZITE ALSO- COULD HE BE NEW PIRES.
What did wenger say about the possilities of a signing.
ramsey and simpson showed their class.
very impressed with the midget, wilshire.
barazite is a big fella, he will grow into an outstanding talent.
bendtner was toilet, as usual–cannot hold the ball up, cannot pass.
Wenger said we should definately expect some signings, but he didn’t say how many and when, but then he gave a confident smile like he has some things in mind so im confident.
Those are the ones who caught my eye as well Baz. Ramsey, Wilshere, Barazite and Nordtveit have brilliant futures imo. Wilshere still needs to develop physically a bit, but the other 3 I can see making an impact on the 1st team this season.
Where was Vela?
The commentators on ArsenalTV said Ramsey reminded them of Beckham!.
Dutchmaster – he hinted signings were close.
Been looking at Coquelin. Some player he could turn out to be, I was hoping to see a bit of that from Denilson in the first half.
Just goes to show the importance of that type of player. A ball winner is as important as a playmaker.
Often the ballwinner can have as much impact on the tempo as the playmaker. Just for the first few seconds after the ball has been won from the attacking side, all their players are out of position and that is when they are most vulnerable to a counter-attack.
The thinkg is you need a couple of these types of players, as they tend to get sent off, suspended, and injured pretty often.
Hope Diaby and Denilson were watching Coquelin… I want to see more of that bite from them.
Hey J, when’s that article about Sebastian Giovinco going to be posted?
does anybody know where i can watch the highlihts without paying?
JS,
In an interview on the official Arsenal site, the Barnet manager Paul Fairclough said that Barazite had a similar style to Berbetov, whilst some of our fans (above) have compared him to the legendary Robert Pires. What’s your take on his game and playing style?
Barazite is now quite tall and looks powerful, but he isn’t super fast so a bit like Berbatov. Has a touch of the Bergkamp and Pires too about him too.
Verdict – is he definitely has the ability to make it at Arsenal.
He is unique. He has parts of many peoples games, but his explosive nature is unlike anything.
He links the midfield and attack like Bergkamp, but he is more raw and engertic than Dennis. He has the swagger and prowess of Pires, and the ball control of Henry.
All those aspects added together make a lethal player, and if developed correctly this is just the start.
Thanks, phatrick.
Thanks, JS.
I can’t wait to see jack play live. I missed todays match and am looking forward to see him play. he is still 16 right?
Sounds like Rambo had a great game, I really like him 2.
Can people tell me more about coquelin?
I don’t think the players should be judged on this performance. This was our first competitive game this season and it’s clear that our players were not playing at 100%. Barnet have played 2 competitive games already and are more familiar with each other. The first half team have never played together before and you could see the difference in the second half as most of these players have played together regularly. Having said that, Coquelin did well considering it is very early days for him at Arsenal.
u really can see y wenger is so reluctant to sign more player
Some of these kids are really good
pls tell me wat u know about Sebastian Giovinco and the rumors linking him to us, i really like this player and this topic interests me. thanks alot hey. btw awesum site, i am a big fan
The first team players were clearly not trying too hard in order to avoid any injury. The sharpness isn’t there yet. Still, Denilson was invisible and didn’t show he’s got the desire to fight for that DM position. Coquelin looks (another) one for the future.
i hope wenger at least signs a DM and did ramsey play central mid or right wing
Who was the two assits?
Barazite is great, in addition to his great technique(dribbling, finishing, passing, he has it all), he has good physique and is pretty tall and seems a like a mentally strong player!
I love watching him! I know Wenger has a plan for him, he will protect him from the media, and let him have a season with few appearances, and then I think he will be ready to fight a 100% for a first team place in the 09/10 season. Just my thoughts.
Wenger said that he will sign player, he doesn’t know how much and were, but they are at the market, and if they will have a good chance they will live with them.
And Adebayor stays with us!
Coquelin looks like a good ball winner but i think he will need to improve technically to develop.He is at the right clubso he might have a chance.Lansbury isnt a right sided midfield player so i wont judge him on todays performance.I was impressed with Jay Simpson on todays evidence he looked further advanced than Bendtner -but you cant make sweeping judgements based on one game.Jack Wilshere if handled correctly is going to be a top class player all he needs is a bit of luck steering clear of injuries.Only difficulty will be judging the right to play him in the first team.He has the right manager to make the correct decisions on his future.
Is it me or is our midfield becoming a little crowded?
Fabregas, Denilson, Ramsey, Nasri, Vela, Rosicky are or will be first team regulars this season.
We then have Simpson, Lansbury, Randall, Merida, Coquelin, and Wilshere all hoping for a step up to the first team in the next year or two.
So question is, where are all these guys going to fit in? It seems to me as though we’ll have to sell a few players in order to accomodate everyone. Sadly, I don’t think Randall, Lansbury and Simpson have a long future with Arsenal which disapoints me because I see them as being future England Internationals.
Did anyone see Vela and Pedro Botelho in the stands today?
why didnt vela play ?
I think we should give Wilshere another year, keep the hype down, let his progress in the Reserves given his own time, another season and he’s still only be 17 but a lot more advanced.
I don’t think he’s ready to be thrust into the Premier League, I think we’ll see him on the bench in the Carling Cup, but he won’t get on.
Vela did not play as he was injured (slight knock) during training.
Ramsey, Coquelin, Wilshere were the players who really shine during the game.
Wilshere was technically the best, but he need to buff up. Against some rugged defenders, he will take a beating.
Barazite and Simpson gave hints that they may be ready for loan at premiership or championship level. They do not look like displacing our existing strikers (Adebayor, Van Persie, Eduardo).
Walcott was extremely poor. Poor control, bad runs, incomprehensible decision making. When not used as an impact player, he still look like a little boy playing against men.
Bendtner was anonymous, usually he strives on Traore crosses. Today he was nowhere near them. Only once did he look like scoring. Traore needs to add more variety to his game like more shooting or instant pass.
According to the interview, it looks like Arsene Wenger is close to sign new players. Of course playing his card close to his chest he did not divulge the players and not even the positions.
J where’s that article that you said u were gonna do on Giovinco
Charlie7542 – Players will be released shortly
GunnerRashidinho – writing it now :)
itits been a while since we had a youngster stepping up into the first team and performing like clichy in 2004 or cesc in 2005 but i think some of this current bunch are in this bracket. Ramsey,Wilshere and Barazite. Maybe Coqueelin too. Ramsey has perssonality and he dominatess 11apprigt ive not seen much of his defensive side he looks ccmore like cesc. Wilshere looks a complete midfielder with messi like balance and dribbling he really is something special. Barazite reminds me of Pires he uses his fullback well has good timing and finishes calmly he looks class. The rest look good but apart from Nordveit we dont have any good defenders coming through. Simpson looks a good all round forward
Any news on Vela and his absense??? I see no news of an injury… could there be – dare I speculate – some other issue?
J, any hints as to who you think may get released. I am holding out for Randall and Lansbury to make it big at Arsenal but I just think there are too many players ahead of them now. Its unfortunate because I think at any other time these kids would have bright futures at the club ahead of them. And, call me a xenophobe but I am really rooting for the English kids to do well.
Nordtveit was good and wenger just didnt include vela, he isnt injured but has only been with the club for a while due to playing for mexico
Are you sure sam? He was initially included in the squad for the game. It would seem more logical if he was injured and removed from the squad, rather than being removed from the squad because he hasn’t been at the club long; a fact wenger already knew before he announced the squad.
J.Sanderson whats your views on Simpson and Barazite and also whos been relesed apart from V.Der Berg
GunnerRashidinho – The article is up :)
Both are great talents, and both can be great players for the club. Just Vincent so far.
Wilshere, Ramsey, Sagna and Nacer were the best players imo. Coquelin looks promising.
The first team players werer generally okay cept for walcott who had a shocker.
quick question did ramsey play right wing or central mid
Centre mid, Lansbury played right mid.
Just imagine being made to run for 3 miles up hill through mud, then told you have to play football. That’s what the players feel on this day each year. Training is geared to fitness at the moment. Sharpness and technique etc will follow. I always feel Theo lacks a bit technically. I can’t see it but I HOPE he makes it with us. Nacer looks very promising and as for Wilshire we ALL agree – boy have we got a player there!!!Last year after Red Bull Salzburg I dreaded the new season then we woke up and the rest of pre-season was really good. I don’t think we should worry yet.
F.merida can he play on the wing effectively cause it looks like rosicky will miss the start of the season and he seems to be our best option so far to play on the wings with nasri
J – You said last week that Adebayor had already returned to training, but Wenger said today he’s not back till next week.
The youth team is his specialise subject, not the first team.
;)
Coquelin was really good he plays like diarra but on the verge to be better.Wilshere,simpson,barazite,ramsey and rodgers were good but both hoytes r shit ogogo plz jus go and randall was crap couldt believe my eyes but bloody hell Theo walcott i just dnt think he’s ever gonna be class he should look how simpson makes runs and scores.
Agree with Lance , Simpsons running of the ball was superb , Players like Walcott and the big dane , need to be firing this is league 2 opposition they are internationals having a couple weeks of is not a valid excuse
Having watched Ajax-vs Noordwijk todau if there is an player arsenal should have a closer look to it’s Jan Arie Van Der Heijden wit’s jsut an absolute delight watching him, simillar trickery as van persie an absolutely phenomenal shot and bosses the midfield
i dont know call me mad but in barazite i see a up coming world class player he looks quality reminds me of a young imrahimovic from inter milan check him out on utube
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article4364107.ece Read that article by the times about the barnet game.I would totally agree with everything
Coquelin was surprisingly good, i think he was the best today..
There were some great signs out there today for the first semi-competitive game. Wilshire is so good. Ramsey is a massive talent. Coq-au-vin was really good cosidering he stepped off the plane yesterday. Simpson also looks the goods and must be a Reserves/Carling certainty. Some others were clearly rusty so I don’t think there’s any point focusing on negatives.
It seems we are getting a congestion of talent in the centre of midfield. 1 spot must be for Cesc. Then we’ve got Denilson, Ramsey, Wilshire, Merida and Randall. Hopefully some of these guys can grow into other positions because they are all massively talented and it would be a shame to lose any of them.
I’m also really interested to see if any of the young defenders step up in the remaining pre-season games.
It is only a pre season game against Barnet so i would expect some of our young players to shine but the harde games will come and then we can fully judge them