First Team Watch – Arsenal 1-1 Szombathelyi. H

Although the majority of Arsenal’s first team returned to training this week, Arsène Wenger kept faith in a young side to take on Hungarian outfit Szombathelyi Haladás. Gael Clichy was once more the captain, and would have to marshal 16 year old Jack Wilshere who was granted an unlikely start.

Justin Hoyte partnered his brother at centre back, with Carlos Vela making his debut alongside Nicklas Bendtner. The bench was made up of Reserve team regulars, with Francis Coquelin and Jay Simpson the notable names.

Almunia
Sagna – J.Hoyte – G.Hoyte – Clichy
Wilshere – Denilson – Ramsey – Walcott
Bendtner – Vela

Subs – Mannone – Traore – Randall – Lansbury – Coquelin – Simpson

Szombathelyi Haladás 1-1 Arsenal – Match Report

After an attacking start from Szombathelyi, Arsenal stepped up and moved the ball fluently between the midfield. Denilson, Walcott and Ramsey all combined to slip Vela in, but he was bullied out of possession by the powerful Hungarian full back.

Wilshere was hugging the left hand touchline, and although he is only 16, drew the tackle expertly for an early free-kick. Nicklas Bendtner had a poor game against Barnet, but clearly wanted to put that behind him this evening. He raced down the left flank before floating the ball into area for an un-marked Vela. He chested his effort back to Denilson who rattled his effort of the cross bar.

Arsenal were beginning to find their passing range, but after some neat touches from Ramsey and Wilshere, Bendtner miss-controlled and Szombathelyi pounced to clear. Denilson would then snap the ball back and feed Ramsey on the right, his short cross saw Vela back-heel for Walcott to toe poke at the goalkeeper. A series of fantastic chances not taken by the Gunners.

Denilson and Ramsey were starting to run the midfield for the visitors, and the Welsh starlet won the first corner of the game with a curling drive. Gavin Hoyte had began in a poor manner, and the 18 year old allowed the hosts to trouble Almunia on two consecutive occasions. Wilshere and Denilson then combined with a short corner, which nearly saw Vela flick home from close range.

Szombathelyi would force a series of attacks at the youngster Hoyte, as they sensed Gavin could be the weak link in the Arsenal defense. Ramsey mopped up in front of the back-line, and looked assured and confident as a holding midfielder.

Bendtner was slowly becoming the brightest player on the pitch, with his direct and physical running power seeing him skip over three challenges, before Gael Clichy nearly side footed home on the left hand side. Full credit to Carlos Vela who spotted the Frenchman absence from defense and filled in.

As previously mentioned, the Hoyte brothers had began in a poor manner, and after a flowing passing move, the ball was lobbed behind Justin Hoyte for Krisztian Kensesei to race forward and chip over the advancing Almunia. Gavin Hoyte thought he had done enough to nick the ball off the line, but the referee awarded the goal to the Hungarians.

Goal – Krisztian Kensesei (24)

Arsenal were clearly furious with themselves, and quickly looked to force an instant equaliser. Vela had two excellent chances, before Wilshere’s corner found an unmarked J.Hoyte who should have done better from close range.

The frustration around the team was obvious following another foiled move, with Vela, Ramsey, Denilson and Justin Hoyte all being crowded out. Quick passing and movement was unhinging the hosts, and the Gunners came inches away after Bendtner and Vela sent Clichy 1-on-1, his low drive only found the keeper’s gloves.

A lack of concentration at key points was harming Arsenal, and after Denilson’s corner was dropped by the advancing stopper, Vela should have reacted quicker to tap home. He fell in a mess before Sagna’s cross was smashed away.

Jack Wilshere’s inexperience was showing clear signs, as he frequently drifted inside and ran into Denilson, leaving huge gaps on the left flank. Luckily Clichy was willing to patrol the position, but shared some words of advice to the 16 year old. However, he would have the next big chance, Vela and Bendtner worked well before the huge Dane crossed for Jack to volley inches over from 18 yards.

The frustration would eventually come to a close with four minutes of the half left. Clichy’s cross found Bendtner neatly control on the edge of the box, he slipped Walcott in down the right and the England International side footed home off the post.

Goal – Theo Walcott (41)

With the half coming to a close, Nicklas Bendtner was sent crashing to the floor with a careless swipe at the 19 year old, allowing Jay Simpson to go and warm up. Arsène Wenger looked worried as Nicklas received lengthy treatment.

The whistle brought to an end an interesting and often frustrating first half, the Bendtner injury seemed to be a real worry.

Half Time – Szombathelyi Haladás 1-1 Arsenal

Vito Mannone > Manuel Almunia
Mark Randall > Aaron Ramsey
Henri Lansbury > Gavin Hoyte
Armand Traore > Carlos Vela

Mannone
J.Hoyte – Sagna – Clichy – Traore
Lansbury – Denilson – Randall – Wilshere
Walcott – Bendtner

The new set of youngsters took a few touches to settle in before Traore and Wilshere released Randall who clipped inches over the bar. A promising section of passes saw Jack Wilshere crashed to the floor, before Randall’s curler forced Dániel Rózsa to make an acrobatic stop.

The European sun had now began to glisten the pitch offering scenic surroundings for Arsenal’s classy passing, as the young Gunners probed the tired Hungarians. Although it was the visitors who were in total control, the lack of pressure to press home the attacking prowess saw Szombathelyi stroll towards the hour mark.

Wenger reacted to the dip in tempo with two further substitutes in the form of Barnet hero Jay Simpson and France Under 17 International Francis Coquelin.

Francis Coquelin > Jack Wilshere (62)
Jay Simpson > Nicklas Bendtner (62)

Simpson would plow the lone furrow, but with receive regular support from Randall, Walcott and now Denilson, as Coquelin sat and protected the back four.

After Szombathelyi worked some space in the middle, Arsenal snapped the ball back and broke with pace. Coquelin found Randall with plenty of support, but the former Burnley Loanee opted to shoot and only found the stand.

Gabor Rajps found himself 25 yards out running at Bacary Sagna, but before he could create anything, Francis Coquelin came charging in and stole possession back for the Gunners. As the game descended into the final 15 minutes, the fixture had become an end-to-end encouter.

Randall’s misplaced pass allowed Péter Vörös to run at the Arsenal defence, in a game which seemed to be slipping out of either sides grasp. Coquelin was superb in midfield, and as he came thunding into a Szombathelyi defender, Simpson was sent racing clear before being clipped down.

A crowd of players gathered over the set piece, but Clichy pushed his way to the front of the que and curled a low drive which was easier stopped. The stand in skipper would cross for Simpson to try and volley, only to be snubbed out.

Full Time – Szombathelyi Haladás 1-1 Arsenal

Article By – J.Sanderson

104 thoughts on “First Team Watch – Arsenal 1-1 Szombathelyi. H

  • July 22, 2008 at 6:27 pm
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    Simpson made some intelligent runs , just the midfield looked really poor in the 2nd half apart from coquelin , RANDALL very dissapointing and is the number on the shirt there first team numbers ?

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:32 pm
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    Wow that was quick!

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:33 pm
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    i thought the final ball in general was quite poor and especially the crosses and as their defense played quite deep it wasnt going to be easy to get in one on one with the keeper which i think meant it was hard to fashion any good chances

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:34 pm
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    I was impressed with Coquelin when he came on, looks a very decent prospect.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:36 pm
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    positives for Arsene again. Bendtner-Walcott who were unfairly thrashed in last friendly, came up with a good linkup for the goal. So Arsenal fans, don’t write off the players by evidence of just one game. Among other news, I think Hoyte brothers arent’ good enough. Almunia is bloody average.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:41 pm
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    Coquelin and Wiltshere where good.

    Mannone, Sagna, Clichy and Bendtner were ok.

    The rest were borderline awful.
    The Hoyte’s were the worst, followed by Landsbury and Randal.

    Denilson is not good enough.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:43 pm
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    I was also happy with vela, maybe a little slow start but he showed strenght and he is comfortable on the ball, I’m looking forward to seeing more of him.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:44 pm
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    Coquelin was very impressing …
    He was running everywhere, defending well, and he almost scored or made score.
    Well done sisco!

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:44 pm
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    Any more news on Bendtner’s injury?

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:49 pm
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    coquelin was brilliant since he came on. very energetic

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:50 pm
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    not gonna sugar-coat this but both of the hoyte brothers were awful, justin slightly improved at right back but both do not seem to be good enough and i have no idea why wenger keeps persisting with gavin. on the other hand coquelin looked awesome and as if he actually gave a shit…mark randall take note. Wilshere also looked great but probably better on the right and bendtner etc. looked much improved from saturday.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:52 pm
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    Coquelin was excellent when he came on. Fantastic desire. 2 years or so and I reckon he could be a part of the 1st team. Vela showed v v quick feet and linked up well with his team m8s, even though from what I gather his english leaves a lot to be desired.

    Denilson looked much sharper, as did Walcott, Sagna and Bendtner.

    Overall, I was happy with that. The result is not important, just the journey to full match fitness.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:55 pm
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    what an incredibly quick and detailed report. a couple of news outlets have justin hoyte as missing the shot from 5 yards, and for the “clearance” off the line, so it is nice to get some clarification on that. fantastic site man.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:55 pm
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    Bendtner finnished off last season playing much the same way as he did today…he’s definately a great player

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:55 pm
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    wilshere was wasted on the left. he would have been brilliant on the right of midfield.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:56 pm
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    im a bit disspointed with the result but walcott seems 2 becoming the player we all hoped he would when we signed him

    J what do you think the likly hood of us signing veloso anytime soon?

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:56 pm
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    coquelin was really impressive afterr he came on, played very well arguably our best player in the second half, and still only 17

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  • July 22, 2008 at 6:58 pm
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    I dont like terrible habbit of playing too many [grade 4 & 5/ sideways passes & backpasses] that is developing amongst some of ur young and established midfielders. This shows level of poor vision which is normally seen when watching England. This is starting to infuriate me

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:01 pm
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    coquelin stood out for me
    i would of liked to have seen vela play more, again wilshere was very promising

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:02 pm
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    Super gunner the passing game is certainly the most beautiful watch…and england dont do that they give away the ball :P

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:03 pm
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    For those who care, here are some of my thoughts on the game:

    Randall looked nervous. His passing was poor at times as was his decision making when on the ball. Hopefully, he’ll be more composed next time.

    Lansbury was fairly anoymous until about 20 minutes from full-time when he came into the game a bit more. I’d like to see him play in his natural position and not out wide.

    Wilshere was awesome! My only concern is that he may be a bit too small and might need to bulk up as he went down a few times under some not so heavy challenges.

    Walcott was definitely better in the first-half than he was on Saturday although he seemed to go missing in the second-half.

    The Hoyte brothers, especially Justin, are just poo and need to go. Maybe we could use Justin as part of a deal to get Barry from Villa…?

    All in all I think it was a good performance for this time of the year and I think the boys are showing signs of improvement. Nothing to be worried about yet.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:03 pm
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    Sounded like Wilshere had a decent game then?

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:08 pm
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    welcome back!! :D
    I’m so excited to be hearing and seeing from you again.
    thanks for your post! just do it anything,true

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:15 pm
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    I think justin hoyte is actually decent right-back, good for back up.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:16 pm
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    Coquelin did stand out.
    Ramsey had an off game as did Randall, who was a bit too casual with his passing at times.
    Justin Hoyte is not a centre back. He was much more composed out on the right in the second half and did okay there.
    I was impressed by Vela. He seemed to get into good positions in and around the box. His passing was good and he stood up well to challenges. Hopefully as he becomes more familiar with his team mates that will improve even more.
    Overall a much better tempo and improvement from Saturday so the team is moving in the right direction.
    Re Lansbury – he’s still trying to re-gain his fitness after a long illness and playing out wide when in and around the first team is part of his learning curve. Fabregas had to do that early on in his career at Arsenal and Diaby has been doing that for the last couple of seasons. Good players learn to adapt and he will get his chance in the middle when he earns it.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:19 pm
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    Everyones thoughts on man of the match?? Was unable to watch the game!

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:25 pm
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    This is my first ever post….so plz forgive me, if i am annoying!

    I wasn’t impressed with Randall at all, in fact i found him quite frustrating.

    Denilson has raised some questions in my head. I don’t think he has improved significantly since joining us. And with Cesc’s place cemented and merieda in reserve. And with Diaby, Coquelin and Ramsey (imo fighting for the other CM spot)…..does Denilson have a future with us???

    btw its great to see players like Vela and Merieda etc loaned out to foreign teams. I just wish that Wneger had a system where it was a standard procedure for us to loan to the Spanish and Italian and Dutch leagues more often (esp Wilshere, Lansbury and Simpson. Esp as english players never leave these shores).

    In an ideal world I would have Norveidt loaned out to a Dutch team this season, next season to a Spanish side and finally to an italian team the season after (Barazite would be German, Portugese then Spanish). So by the time he comes back he is of an ideal age (20 or 21) to push for the first team. And also he has experienced life in foreign countries as well as experiencing their styles. And hopefully when they hit their prime they won’t be longing for a taste of a foriegn league.

    I’m a big fan of Jay Simpson…..I just wish he could break into the first team.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:27 pm
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    coquelin was really impressive after he came on, played very well arguably our best player in the second half, and still only 17.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:28 pm
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    Man of the match…..well for the second half was Coquelin

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:29 pm
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    Coquelin was really impressive,The Chuckle brothers at the back were as to be expected rubbish

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:37 pm
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    Coquelin!!!!!!!

    Ok..anyone getting fed up with Adebayors attitude? Rumours are he wants 3 times what he’s being paid or else he’ll leave.

    How could he do that to the gunners?!?! There is no loyalty these days…..

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:38 pm
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    I didn’t think Gavin was that bad. Justin, what else is new.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:40 pm
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    Wilshere was very impressive, good left foot, good technique and great vision.. and he is only 16! this boy is special.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:45 pm
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    i think all the english players need to pick up their game otherwise other olayers will always be ahead of them. the only proper talent so far is wilshere. and i mean from the reserves. randall & lansbury are too casuall and aren’t arsennal meant to be playing attacking fast pace football? hmmmm makes you wonder.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:47 pm
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    Hi guys, sorry for the delay in commenting, i am having some technical issues.

    The game rather dull at times, and played on a really small tight pitch. Bendtner was excellent, but was taken off after his kick wich i thought was dirty and poor.

    Wilshere was great, but you can see he needs to up his physique badly.

    Vela looked a little lost at times, but he made runs into the right areas so very impressed. As for Coquelin.. woahh this kid is something special.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:54 pm
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    JS, what is ur view to my opinion of loaning players out to different foriegn leagues for a few years???

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:55 pm
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    I think some people are being too harsh on vela, he showed glimpses of quality, good passes and strenght. Once he gets familiar with his team-mates he will become a quality young player for us.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 7:59 pm
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    Havard will be playing against Burgenland and possibly Stuttgart.After today i think it is obvious that both Hoyte bros will struggle at Arsenal.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:07 pm
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    did anyone hear wnegers comments after the match?

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:08 pm
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    Picture Updated.. Vela looks good in the Arsenal red :D

    Havard was with the team, i saw him in the warm up.

    Siz C – Interesting, i think where ever a player goes on loan its great experience, even just being with the first team on the bench is still experience for them.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:14 pm
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    Don’t forget they are in the middle of pre season altitude training!!!Simpson looked like he was running backwards at times and he is quite quick.Little Jack lit the game up and – well am I right or am I right about Walcott?? I hope I am wrong but I don’t see an Arsenal player there>

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:14 pm
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    did wenger say anything intresting after the match?

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:15 pm
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    Havard should be our fourth choice centre back if no new faces come in.
    But really, a new CB should come in. I don’t see him or Djourou/ Song doing well against Chelsea, United or Liverpool.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:17 pm
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    excellent report and pics of Vela. thanks J.
    I agree with everyone that Coquelin stood out and looks a very good buy. I dont want to slate the Hoyte bros. Bit hard for them in a situation they wont have been familiar with – they both would have needed an experienced player next to them, even a Djourou or Song would have improved them both.
    Randall’s decision making was poor. Most players still look a bit rusty, except Gael! I love that man.
    I would like to see what Vela can do on the wing, and I’d like to see Wilshere playing where Randall was allowed to play tonight.

    Question is, is Wenger thinking about trusting 17 year olds with the defensive midfield this season? sounds a tall order but they both seem better than Denilson, who had a very average season last year and has looked no better so far.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:22 pm
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    i think i saw Rodgers and Merida at the end in the red Arsenal tracksuit or was i mistaken J?

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:27 pm
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    Coquelin played very well showed he can get stuck in !
    I thought Denilson played well, passing the ball around I just dont know why everyone likes slagging him off, is beacuse he is small or what, I just don´t know.
    The Hoyte´s are crap, both to villa plus 14m so we get Barry.
    Almunia is a good keeper, he is just tired like everyone.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 8:58 pm
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    I think Denilson had a decent game actually, except for the first 15-20 minutes. Better than Ramsey today anyway, still, Coquelin is better suited to partner Cesc than both with the way things look now. I think he will be a perfect player for Cesc to play with. But, and its a big one, he is only 17. He definitely reminds me of (ssshhh, only whisper it) PV. : )

    The thing is if AW buys, lets say, Raul Albiol or Veloso to partner Cesc then it “kills” Coquelin, Ramsey, Diaby and Denilson…

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  • July 22, 2008 at 9:10 pm
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    YOU GUYS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF. I CANT BELIEVE YOU ARE ALREADY JUDGING PLAYERS AFTER TWO PRE SEASON GAMES, ITS AN ABSOLUTE JOKE. THE PLAYERS HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD TRYING TO GET FIT AND YOU GUYS ARE SLATING THEM 4 NOT PERFORMING? WE STILL GOT ANOTHER 1 MONTH TILL THE SEASON STARTS! TALK ABOUT JUMPING ON THE BANDWAGON

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  • July 22, 2008 at 9:16 pm
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    Bendtner was terrible tonight (again), I know players can get a wee bit rusty over the space of 6 weeks, but how can anyone excuse a full international from continually miscontrol a ball along the floor? He is simply not good enough. Justin Hoyte again gave hope to every youngster who wants to be a footballer, but lacks the basic skills needed to be one – Justin is never going to be Arsenal class and has nothing to offer the team at all, not even as a covering player because we have better players who can cover right back.

    Coquelin played very well, excellant given he has just joined the team and I think we will see big things from him this season, maybe as a sub, but the cups should be good for him.

    Denilson was great today, he worked very hard and rarely gave possession away, I would like to see him alongside Cesc this season.

    Finally, Jack was good once more, not great, but this was probably the first game of such a physical nature he has ever played in.

    Again though, Bendtner was terrible

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  • July 22, 2008 at 9:24 pm
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    fookinhell, why do people jump on bandwagons so quickly after two pre- season matches!!!!!….”get denilson out” blah blah blah

    Denilson is a good player and is only 19! I haven’t seen the last two games, but even if he was poor, its pre season, the main thing is to get your fitness back in these early games!

    The only thing I think you can go on is what players have done over the past two seasons….so yes justin hoyte is Wank! Senderos is wank! And we need back up at centre half or else we will win nothing again!!!! I just pray too god that this signing that wenger has promised in the next month IS a centre back! Or else were fooked!

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  • July 22, 2008 at 9:47 pm
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    Micky C? which game did you watch. I think most of us agree bendtner had a good game…o and i so agree with stewdog…but in everyones defense we all excited…two arsenal games after a while so we all trying to get in on the action…dont fret it they’ll be singing the players praise not before long

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  • July 22, 2008 at 9:52 pm
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    I watched the game live, here are my thoughts on the players with ratings:

    Almunia – solid enough when he needed to be, couldn’t do much about the goal as the defense was caught out. 7

    Clichy – did great as captain, more of the same from last season, lots of good energy and determination with a few strong runs into the attacking third; could maybe improve his delivery and/or final decision making slightly, but a bit too early to judge. Looked surprisingly comfortable at centre-half too! 7.5

    Justin Hoyte – didn’t look too comfortable at centre-back, clearly not his best position, but he wasn’t helped by his brother. He looked more comfortable in the 2nd half when he was switched to right back. IMHO he could really use a loan spell with a mid-table premier league club, and if he isn’t good enough after that should be sold. 6

    Gavin Hoyte – didn’t look too comfortable, but it must be kept in mind that he is very young; Wenger himself said that centre-backs come into their prime at around 28, judging from that, he has quite some time to go, and could yet prove good in the future. 5

    Sagna – I personally think he was one of the best players on the pitch, always comfortable in possession, great positioning and tackling, and supported the attacks very well. Looked very comfortable at centre-back as well. 8.5

    Wilshere – Looked a class above everyone else on the field, which is amazing considering he was atleast 3 years younger than everyone else. Incredible ball control, silky running, great passing…he really has all the makings to become an absolute legend in the future. He just needs to get some experience in the reserves/carling cup/on loan in the next 2 or 3 seasons and what a player we will have on our hands! 8

    Denilson – Much improved performance from Barnet. He looked solid in possession and teamed up reasonable well with Ramsey. Got better as the game wore on, before he probably became too exhausted and anonymous for the last minutes on the pitch 7.5

    Ramsey – Solid partnership with Denilson, didn’t quite hit the heights he did against Barnet but he does have fantastic awareness and a magnificent passing range. 7.5

    Walcott – Very lively, getting into the groove of things; much better performance than Barnet, and an exceptionally well-taken and instinctive goal. Expect big things from him this season. 8

    Bentdner – A million miles improved from his Barnet performance, made some strong runs into the channels, his ball control was coming back, some decent crosses. Exceptionally good control for the assist to Walcott. 7.5

    Vela – Has only been training for a very short time with the rest of the squad and that showed at times early on as he was on a different wavelength, but you could tell the kind of class he has and what kind of player he can become. Great ball control, has a great turn of pace and will be interesting to see how he does over the rest of the preseason. 7

    SUBS:

    Mannone – didn’t have much to do, but what he did do he did comfortably. 7

    Mark Randall – played in the centre of the park. Has this aura around him that makes it seem like he’s not really trying too hard and everything looks really easy for him. It may be a little bit of arrogance but I think its just his style. He looks like he may have a great passing range and shot when he’s fully fit – bu the did look very rusty (completely understandable as its his first game back). He did have a lot of the ball but most of his passes and shots were overhit. It would be interesting to see how he does over the rest of preseason. 6

    Henri Lansbury – Was quite anonymous and didn’t have much of the ball. When he did have it, didn’t do much of note. Clearly not in the swing of things yet. 5.5

    Armand Traore – Not as good as clichy was in the first half at full back, but solid enough at the back, and did try and get forward when he could, though the delivery sometimes could have been better. Not a bad outing overall though. 7

    Francis Coquelin – As has been mentioned, made a difference when he came on. His anticipation of the ball and tackling are fantastic, he’s clearly a natural at it. His attitude also seems great. His ball control, passing and shooting have room for improvement, but I’m sure that will come over time in training with us. Will be knocking on the door hard in around 2 seasons. 8

    Jay Simpson – Unfortunately didn’t get much service at all, because when he came on the midfield were struggling to get back a foothold in the game. He did make some intelligent runs and put in some great effort, but wasn’t his day. 7

    Reply
  • July 22, 2008 at 9:55 pm
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    .
    I watched the game live, here are my thoughts on the players with ratings:

    Almunia – solid enough when he needed to be, couldn’t do much about the goal as the defense was caught out. 7

    Clichy – did great as captain, more of the same from last season, lots of good energy and determination with a few strong runs into the attacking third; could maybe improve his delivery and/or final decision making slightly, but a bit too early to judge. Looked surprisingly comfortable at centre-half too! 7.5

    Justin Hoyte – didn’t look too comfortable at centre-back, clearly not his best position, but he wasn’t helped by his brother. He looked more comfortable in the 2nd half when he was switched to right back. IMHO he could really use a loan spell with a mid-table premier league club, and if he isn’t good enough after that should be sold. 6

    Gavin Hoyte – didn’t look too comfortable, but it must be kept in mind that he is very young; Wenger himself said that centre-backs come into their prime at around 28, judging from that, he has quite some time to go, and could yet prove good in the future. 5

    Sagna – I personally think he was one of the best players on the pitch, always comfortable in possession, great positioning and tackling, and supported the attacks very well. Looked very comfortable at centre-back as well. 8.5

    Wilshere – Looked a class above everyone else on the field, which is amazing considering he was atleast 3 years younger than everyone else. Incredible ball control, silky running, great passing…he really has all the makings to become an absolute legend in the future. He just needs to get some experience in the reserves/carling cup/on loan in the next 2 or 3 seasons and what a player we will have on our hands! 8

    Denilson – Much improved performance from Barnet. He looked solid in possession and teamed up reasonable well with Ramsey. Got better as the game wore on, before he probably became too exhausted and anonymous for the last minutes on the pitch 7.5

    Ramsey – Solid partnership with Denilson, didn’t quite hit the heights he did against Barnet but he does have fantastic awareness and a magnificent passing range. 7.5

    Walcott – Very lively, getting into the groove of things; much better performance than Barnet, and an exceptionally well-taken and instinctive goal. Expect big things from him this season. 8

    Bentdner – A million miles improved from his Barnet performance, made some strong runs into the channels, his ball control was coming back, some decent crosses. Exceptionally good control for the assist to Walcott. 7.5

    Vela – Has only been training for a very short time with the rest of the squad and that showed at times early on as he was on a different wavelength, but you could tell the kind of class he has and what kind of player he can become. Great ball control, has a great turn of pace and will be interesting to see how he does over the rest of the preseason. 7

    SUBS:

    Mannone – didn’t have much to do, but what he did do he did comfortably. 7

    Mark Randall – played in the centre of the park. Has this aura around him that makes it seem like he’s not really trying too hard and everything looks really easy for him. It may be a little bit of arrogance but I think its just his style. He looks like he may have a great passing range and shot when he’s fully fit – bu the did look very rusty (completely understandable as its his first game back). He did have a lot of the ball but most of his passes and shots were overhit. It would be interesting to see how he does over the rest of preseason. 6

    Henri Lansbury – Was quite anonymous and didn’t have much of the ball. When he did have it, didn’t do much of note. Clearly not in the swing of things yet. 5.5

    Armand Traore – Not as good as clichy was in the first half at full back, but solid enough at the back, and did try and get forward when he could, though the delivery sometimes could have been better. Not a bad outing overall though. 7

    Francis Coquelin – As has been mentioned, made a difference when he came on. His anticipation of the ball and tackling are fantastic, he’s clearly a natural at it. His attitude also seems great. His ball control, passing and shooting have room for improvement, but I’m sure that will come over time in training with us. Will be knocking on the door hard in around 2 seasons. 8

    Jay Simpson – Unfortunately didn’t get much service at all, because when he came on the midfield were struggling to get back a foothold in the game. He did make some intelligent runs and put in some great effort, but wasn’t his day. 7

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  • July 22, 2008 at 9:59 pm
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    I disagree with you Mickey C, I thought Bendtner played very well: he worked and ran hard and his assist for Theo’s goal was top-notch in my opinion. He is a great prospect and so long as he takes his chances in the team well, then he can probably look forward to a successful footballing career.

    Coquelin was the second-half Man of the Match for me.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 10:08 pm
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    Micky. I don’t agree with you.Denilson was average and continue to take prefer long balls and passing backwards and laterally. What is his natural role n midield? He’s neither attacking nor defensive.

    Very soon I foresee Coquelin and Ramsey bossing the midfield, playing sub to Cesc and Diaby. I don’t see any future for Denilson, his play is not fluid and hasn’t moved up since he joined tow seasons ago.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 10:12 pm
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    JS do you have any news on Amaury Bischoff?

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  • July 22, 2008 at 10:14 pm
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    are the squad numbers right apart from wilshere

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  • July 22, 2008 at 11:17 pm
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    stewdog toataly agree… there being watched by arsene wenger with that is gonna come abit of pressure. some players will react well to that like wilshere did and some of these players havn’t exactly played with each other alot come on give them a chance.

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  • July 22, 2008 at 11:34 pm
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    J.SANDERSON who do you think will make it at arsenal and fight for a place in the first team, suggest which ones will make it you think and are good enough for arsenal:
    wilshere (obviously yes but you know got to ask)
    randall
    lansbury
    gibbs
    simspson
    hoyte
    rodgers

    out of these english playes who do you think? please answer and gr8 site man. bless

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  • July 22, 2008 at 11:54 pm
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    i thought simpson done well considering he won the free kick and I have realised something in these last two games , wilshere has better vision than alot of players at arsenal and has a great footballing brain at barnet he read simpsons diagonal runs , while walcott , randall and lansbury never supplied no service

    after to games watchin simpson what do you gooners and j.sanderson think ?

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  • July 23, 2008 at 12:08 am
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    Indeed Wilshere has got amazing vision and a very good football brain, I just can’t believe he is 16.

    I think he could be a regular as early as the 09-10 season.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 12:12 am
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    To me there was a lack of chemistry in the team today which is understanable given that alot of the guys haven’t played together before, have had a month-and-a-half off and, were probably nervous about not wanting to mess up. Things will get better and aside from the Hoyte brothers I think everyone who lined up today will have a chance at Arsenal in the long run.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 12:42 am
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    Some good performances and some not so good.

    Stand out players were (in my opinion): Clichy, Sagna, Wilshire and Later on Bendtner really got into his stride.

    However the Hoyte brothers both performed badly, especially Gavin but Justin is the more worrying considering his age and his seemingly solid first team standing at the moment. Randall was off again today, as was Landsbury, but Landsbury was again well out of position and Randall is the kind of player that needs the rest of the side to be performing to step up in his own performance, and they werent when he came on and for that i think he suffered.

    Simpson was slightly dissapointing aswell but he had next to no service so its not his fault, he wasnt a disaster at any rate. Walcott scored which is great but he really nees to improve over next season and start showing he can hold a good run of form.

    I think Wilshire will make his debut off the bench in the Carlin Cup this season and if he does well he can quite easily do a Fabregas and largly skip reserve football and go straight into the first team. He did struggle physically today thou which is something Wenger will need to take into consideration.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 12:46 am
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    By straight into the first team i dont nessesarily mean hold down a starting position. Fabregas was lucky that Vieira left cuz it gave him that opertunity, but i doubt Wilshire will have similar luck. He can however become a very useful player for us and when hes older maybe start to hold down a starting place. Its guna take patience thou and i hope the press largly leave him alone cuz that can really damage young players when they start labeling them the English footballing Massiah.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 3:07 am
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    I believe all these matches are just giving those yougnsters a run-in before Wenger shaped his team.
    We can guaged them better when those senior players are back, and Wenger jsut field them in batches of 2 or 3 to see their make-up, their integration with sneior players.

    Playign with senior palyers tend to bring out the best in them.
    Next month is a better month to guage their progress and readiness to nal down a regular place in senior squad.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 5:37 am
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    Bendtner was terrible tonight (again), I know players can get a wee bit rusty over the space of 6 weeks, but how can anyone excuse a full international from continually miscontrol a ball along the floor? He is simply not good enough.
    ———————————
    are you watching the replay of barnet game, hmmm? for nik’s injury, nothing to worry, he kept on playing till 2nd half. if there was anything suspectable, arsene wouldn’t risk him for a warmup game.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 6:53 am
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    I was there in Szombathely watching the game live. I must say fans were really disappointed with Arsenal’s squad. I mean it was fun for me to watch these talented lads from the reserves team, but the other Hungarians didn’t know any of them. I think Bendtner, Coquelin, Wilshere, Sagna and Clichy were great. I hoped that Wenger will switch Lansbury’s and Randall’s position during the secong half, wanted to see Lansbury in the middle. The thing that really bothered me was that I couldn’t see much passion from the players. I would have expected these kids to run their lungs out in this game and in the one against Barnet. Can’t wait for the season to start!

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  • July 23, 2008 at 8:33 am
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    Hi i wish arsene wenher left wilshere for another 20-25 minutes he was really doin damage to thier team. He is in between david silva-for his passes and messi for his dribbling-low sens of gravity. Liked to have seen him on the right.

    Next season i got a big feeling Bendtner will make the impact he looks like hes got blistering pace some of his runs were almost like thierry henry. But he is a slow starter u need to give him games

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  • July 23, 2008 at 8:33 am
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    Can’t wait to see how Gibbs and Merida do in the next game. Also what’s with the Denilson bashing? He’s a very good player.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 8:43 am
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    Is it true Chelsea are trying to get Jack wilshere apparenlty they are offering 30k and we are offering 10k. This surely cannot be true

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  • July 23, 2008 at 9:28 am
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    From reading the report above it seems like Vela did quite a lot in the first half before being subbed!
    Looking forward to seeing him next season, i think that he could be a real force for us in the years to come!

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  • July 23, 2008 at 9:50 am
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    Anyone know why every player who travelled wore his allocated shirt apart from Eboue (27) this was worn by Coquelin. I know Wilshere wore 7 but Rosicky didnt travel. A pal of mine reckons, Eboue is going to Villa in p/ex for Barry, but I reckon Eboue has taken the 13 shirt cos he is superstitos and 13 is a lucky no. in Africa.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 10:16 am
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    Paul- There is NO Denilson bashing…we are just raising reasonable questions about him

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  • July 23, 2008 at 10:18 am
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    Too bad about Kolo! That means Senderos will start the season for us, Song is at the Olympics and Wenger just stated that he wants to buy a midfielder. Now Young Gun fans you have to admit we all look forward to see Senderos play for us again :D

    I am glad Wenger is in for a midfielder, I hope he’ll get Senna he’s someone who has like 2 or 3 more seasons in him. During those seasons Denilson, Ramsey, Merida can develop into better players and eventually succeed him. I think his price could be affordable because of his age.

    Another good option would be Toulalan, but because he’s only 25 he would hold up the progress of the other players but at the other hand Wenger did mention an established and older player is for Arsenal terms someone who’s at least 25.

    He also mentioned that he has untill 31 of august so I don’t expect a signing soon. I just hope he can do the signing before 16 of august. We don’t want go into the new season with transfer speculation still surrounding our club.

    I hope a lot of youth players that are near to breaking into the squad will be loaned out. I think Simpson and Barazite should stay with our first team. I don’t know about Randall though, maybe he needs a loan spell, but he might stay if he can improve his performances in pre-season.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 10:49 am
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    Id prefer frings or alonso for our mid…rather than toulan..he looked uninspired during the euros tho i’m doing him an injustice by judging him on 3 games..
    Hmmm kolo being ill is a problem…lets hope senderos can perform like he did against milan…

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  • July 23, 2008 at 10:52 am
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    Senderos will be a ROCK this year….wait and see Gooners!

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  • July 23, 2008 at 10:57 am
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    i hope wenger brings in a hard working centre midfielder that can allow cesc to have free roam so he can perform like last season!

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  • July 23, 2008 at 10:59 am
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    Bendtner og coquelin was our best players and clichy does really look in great form…

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  • July 23, 2008 at 11:09 am
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    WE NEED A GK. ALMUNIA IS NOT WORLD CLASS

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  • July 23, 2008 at 11:15 am
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    Agent 47 actually you are. He was one of the better players fr France at the EURO’s. I don’t know what games you watched, but he was working the hardest of all the French players. Domenech just didn’t have the balls to play a more creative minded player like Nasri next to him. But he was a positive note for France that was for sure…

    By the way he has a tic like Eduardo and fabregas so he must be something special, you can see it in this vis.

    http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/toulalan/video/x5vl0t_les-tics-de-la-toul_fun

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  • July 23, 2008 at 11:36 am
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    there is a new interview on atvo of jay simpson discussing his future at arsenal could you please upload it

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  • July 23, 2008 at 12:33 pm
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    Bendtner, I strongly believe he needs to go. At times last season he looked as if he didn’t want to play. He would never cause any form of threat to Man U, Liverpool and Chelsea defence unlike Ade and VP. if our main strikers are out. For Denmakr he is great, but name another superstAr or great player from the Danish team? I can see Vela coming of good this season. Jack Wilshire needs to be blooded in slowly just like we done with Cesc. I reckon Wenger should buy an experience 28/29 year old Defensive Mid that we’ll use for this season and bit part the following to allow Coquelin to improve on his all round game for next season. Remember PV when he was 18 and grace the highbury turf. He went from strength to strength. Denilson needs to go he hasn’t improved since he was sent off from the CC Final. With Toure out we Should get Vincent Kompany, I think this guy is brilliant.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 12:46 pm
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    Hi guys. Have come over from Le-Grove for a bit more positive chat !

    Is it me, or did anyone else get reminded of Rocky the way Simpson runs ?!!!!!

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  • July 23, 2008 at 12:48 pm
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    Bendtner eased his way into the game and in the end played very well.

    In my opinion the only position we need cover in is CM and CB, and its not desperate, but if Wengers guna sign anything it should be one of them 2 (or one or each).

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  • July 23, 2008 at 1:32 pm
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    I liked the look of Clichy as captain. He wore the armband well. And I agree, Coquelin looks a very exciting prospect.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 1:46 pm
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    Hi Bud.

    I would be careful, a lot of people on this blog do not like Le Grove. Nice photos from Barnet btw :)

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  • July 23, 2008 at 1:48 pm
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    Hey Sanderson, what’s going on with the Amaury Bischoff signing? Seems to have gone luke warm.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 1:55 pm
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    I don’t like Le-Grove today either !!!!

    All a bit too hate Arsene Wenger for me today, not sure what is going on… I like Wenger and want him to stay, and oddly I am in the minority, so given up over there for the day and have come to my 2nd favourite Arsenal site !!!!

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  • July 23, 2008 at 2:00 pm
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    I don’t like the way Le-Grove site is moderated. If you make a comment that points out mistakes or disagrees, then they delete the comment.

    The articles they right are usually of poor quality.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 2:05 pm
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    “Is it me, or did anyone else get reminded of Rocky the way Simpson runs ?!!!!!”

    uh….honestly…not really.

    Rocky is one of the greatest players in our history, its not fair to compare Simpson to him. By ‘not fair’ i meen not fair on Simpson. Hes a good young player but still has a way to go, as with many of our young talents, a bit patience is the key. Sure belief and encouragement is not adverse to his development, but comparisons rarely help as they just lead to unfair expectations, and Rocky is a massive comparison and to be honest, i just dont see it atm.

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  • July 23, 2008 at 2:11 pm
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    I wouldn’t agree with the articles being poor quality. I believe the site is meant half serious / half tongue in cheek.

    With the moderation thing, I agree and they do moderate what they call the AKB brigade, but again, I think that is tongue in cheek some of the time and they try to moderate the minority so it does not end up one huge bundle……. in fairness, I imagine if I had stayed on there today i would have been moderated as a fair few opinions were getting me wound up and I would have savagedly abused them. Trouble is, like government, the Wenger haters are the majority today, so their views have the power and they are the controlling party !!!

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  • July 23, 2008 at 2:14 pm
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    Johnny, I was hardly comparing Simpson to Rocky – All I merely said was “anyone else get reminded of Rocky the way Simpson runs”…. i.e. Simpsons running style is the same as the very distinctive running style that Rocky had !

    I was watching with friends yesterday and somebody pointed it out to me and I agreed

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  • July 23, 2008 at 2:19 pm
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    Jay Simpson I believe is extremly under rated

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  • July 23, 2008 at 2:28 pm
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    “I was watching with friends yesterday and somebody pointed it out to me and I agreed”

    Fair enough… sorry, didnt mean to read too much into it. U might have a point but Simpson doesnt Glide quite like Rocky did.

    Btw, if uve never seen Rocastle play (i wasnt old enough to ever see him live but ive been lucky enough to see a few old matches where he was prescant) then this vid is about the best there is (which isnt very good but good enough…)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udxBpMt2Y8Y

    Reply

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