First Team Watch – Arsenal 10-2 Burgenland XI – Report

Spectacular sunshine greeted both sets of players as Arsenal ended their Austrian pre-season training camp this evening, against a Burgenland XI in the scenic Sonnenseestadion.

Gael Clichy remained as skipper at left back, and would operate down the wing with Armand Traore, who replaced Theo Walcott. Armand’s inclusion in the squad meant Jack Wilshere would switch to the right hand side. The fixture would be the final chance for Arsenal’s youngsters to show what they are all about ahead of the coming campaign.

Almunia
Sagna – J.Hoyte – G.Hoyte – Clichy (c)
Wilshere – Denilson – Ramsey – Traore
Bendtner – Vela

Subs – Mannone, Randall, Lansbury, Walcott, Simpson.

The Burgenland XI is a squad made up of the best players from team’s in the Burgenland region, and their lack of knowledge of each others game showed as Arsenal took a 57th second lead.

Gael Clichy found Traore down the left wing, his low cross was stabbed in under pressure by Jack Wilshere. Confusion rained as Aaron Ramsey appeaed to claim the goal, but it was eventually given to the 16 year old.

A sign of things to come? lets hope so.

Goal – Jack Wilshere (1)

Burgenland had opted for a high line, which was nearly punished by Carlos Vela’s pacy run, only to be flagged offside. Denilson and Gavin Hoyte linked up well to snuff out a rare attack, before Traore’s skillful turn saw him nearly slot Bendtner through in on goal. An incredible start from the young Gunners.

Bendtner and Vela look set to be the front pair in the Carling Cup, and they started brightly in attack with neat layoff’s and touches. Almunia caught a high Burgenland free-kick, he bowled the ball quickly to Sagna, who combined with Wilshere to send Traore down the left, his cross was side footed at the keeper’ by Nicklas Bendtner.

Ramsey had began the game in excellent form, and it was the Welshman to would come closest to notching the second. Aaron found Bendtner on the right wing, he layed a pass for the arriving Ramsey to thump a powerful drive at the Burgenland stopper, who tipped behind for a corner.

Arsenal then had appeals for a two penalties. Firstly Jack Wilshere rolled two defenders and cut inside to feed Bendtner who was chopped down, and then Vela was clearly obstructed in the box, but once more the referee gave nothing.

The boys were now starting to show their true class and style. Bendtner chipped Vela in down the left, and although the Mexican was clear through, he decided to try and cross for the Dane, who stumbled over.

However, Nicklas would get his goal less than 60 second later. Denilson rolled the ball into the 20 year old’s feet, he turned sharply before rifling home from the edge of the area. A stunning way to double the advantage.

Goal – Nicklas Bendtner (15)

Wilshere looked much more composed on the right hand side, and after tackling to win back possession, he looked to try and create the decisive third, which just seconds later he achieved. A burst of pace took him away from his marker, and as the defence stepped out, he tucked it around the back for Bendtner to smash across the face of the goal for 3-0.

Goal – Nicklas Bendtner (19)

With 21 minutes on the clock the giant Dane should have wrapped up his hat-trick after excellent work from Traore. The Frenchman drilled a low ball across the box, and even the slightest touch would have made it 4, but under pressure he failed to make contact.

Gavin Hoyte had been slated for his performance last week, but it was his killer ball through the back-line which led to Arsenal’s fourth. Vela was the recipient of the pass, and after racing around the back, he slipped home between the goalkeeper’s legs. His first strike for the Gunners.

Goal – Carlos Vela (24)

Seconds after the re-start Bendtner was through and clearly chopped down, but yet again no penalty was awarded. Denilson would then steal possession in the middle, and even though Vela’s shot would be saved, Denny would claim an assist in the very next attack.

His low pass down the left saw Bendtner race away, before slotting home on his right foot. 5-0 to Arsenal, and a hat-trick for Nicklas Bendtner.

Goal – Nicklas Bendtner (29)

Carlos Vela had a huge smile on his face throughout the fixture, and he would have another reason after grabbing his second. Bendtner got away down the right, and although his pass was meant for Wilshere, it bounced through for Vela to coolly tap into an empty net.

Goal – Carlos Vela (32)

Burgenland has become frustrated at the relentless attacking, and after first tripping Wilshere, Carlos Vela took the full force of a late tackle from behind. The Mexican nearly got his revenge – smashing a left footed drive, but a superb save denied him.

Bendtner has been terrific throughout, and he would be the man to take the seventh. Wilshere teased and tormented down the right, before crossing to an un-marked Bendtner 12 yards out, he guided his shot into the far corner.

Goal – Nicklas Bendtner (38)

A slight knock to Armand Traore would see him replaced, with Henri Lansbury coming on in a re-shuffle of the midfield. Wilshere would switch to the left, with Lansbury onto the right hand side.

A fantastic and confidence building first half came to an end with a rare Burgenland attack, but Denilson’stackle ended any hopes of a shock consolation.

Half Time – Burgenland XI 0-7 Arsenal

Burgenland brought on a complete new Xi for the second period, whilst Arsene Wenger just made a handful of changes.

Jay Simpson > Nicklas Bendtner
Mark Randall> Denilson
Vito Mannone > Manuel Almunia
Theo Walcott > Gael Clichy

Mannone
Lansbury – G.Hoyte – Sagna – J.Hoyte
Randall – Ramsey – Wilshere
Walcott – Simpson – Vela

There may have been a new XI Burgenland, they still failed to contain the Gunners attacking prowess. Theo Walcott took Randall’s through ball, his shot was parried by the keeper into the path of Simpson, and Jay’s close range shot unbelievably missed the target.

Jack Wilshere would miss a sitter, before setting up Randall to curl one wide. There was still much more to come.

Lansbury snapped into a tackle, and after feeding Walcott, he ran 70 yards from defence to attack, before sliding Vela in on the left. He danced inside before slotting home for 8-0.

Goal – Carlos Vela (53)

Simpson just couldn’t score for love nor money. He turned away after Randall picked him out, and thumped his drive off the crossbar. A frustrating moment for the Tottenham born youngster. Henri Lansbury was playing a little more defensive than usual, but his crisp and pin-point-passing helped open up the now tiring Burgenland midfield.

A rare period of the game brought no goals, despite the best efforts of Jay Simpson’s right foot, as Arsenal eased of the gas.

The drought would finally come to an end on 64 minutes, as Wilshere tricked into the box before being kicked down. Jack dusted himself off and sent the keeper the wrong way for 9-0.

Goal – Jack Wilshere (64) (Penalty)

The amount of goals was healthy for confidence, and one man in need of abit was Theo Walcott. He would claim the 10th, as Simpson and Wilshere combined for Theo to tap home.

Goal -Theo Walcott (68)

Poor defending saw Burgenland smash themselves one back, with Gavin Hoyte and Aaron Ramsey left looking at each other. But Hoyte junior would make up for his exploits with a superb last ditch challenge minutes later.

Walcott was simply brilliant as the game came to a close. His running power saw Burgenland back off, before a diving tackle won the Gunners a corner, which Justin Hoyte crashed over. Burgenland would have time to grab another late goal, despite the best efforts of Vito Mannone.

It finished 10-2, an emphatic win for the Young Guns. The game may have been against poor opposition, but getting into the creative and scoring groove is vital ahead of the new season.

Article By -J.Sanderson

84 thoughts on “First Team Watch – Arsenal 10-2 Burgenland XI – Report

  • July 28, 2008 at 6:28 pm
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    should have been so many more! simpson should have had 4 at least!!! vela looked a class act, as did wilshere. Not impressed with Randall again tho, gave the ball away a lot

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:32 pm
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    Simpson done alright but everyone has a off day , He dont deserve to be critisced come on , the second half team was much better than the first team,hopefully there more from simpson wilshere played great aswell

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:33 pm
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    I dnt think it was a great game in terms of preporation. Maybe a bit of a confidence builder for Bendtner, Vela, Wilshire and Gavin Hoyte who did much better. But other than that it wont have done much good. Burgenland XI were much too physical aswell, which isnt bad although they just kept getting frustrated and putting in scrappy and heavy challenges, so we’re lucky no1 got injured. Fun to watch, a bit of a run around for the lads, but not the physical and technical work out Barnet or the last lot (forgot their names already) gave us, so i doubt we’ll be goin back there next season.

    Still, fun to watch and it didnt do ny harm in the end. Shame about the 2 goals conceded thou, the back four just had so little to do they lost concerntration, which realy showed with the second goal.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:34 pm
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    All in All, a Good match. Bring on Lehman and Co. :)

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:35 pm
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    not a bad game we should have scored at least 15 tho but nice to see wilshere and vela put on the show that they did and bendtner and ramsey were class as well. realli wanted to see nasri play but the opposition wasnt the kind of team that i would like nasri to face on his debut.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:36 pm
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    It’s awful to see this Arsenal concede 2 goals. Very poor defending.

    The introduction of Lansbury at right back wasn’t really a great idea because we got exposed and Burgenland basically capitalised on the deficiency there. Gavin Hoyte ocassionally had to bail Henri out.

    All in all, I was pretty happy for Vela to score a hattrick. Bendtner’s performance wasn’t too good even though he scored 4 but I was still very impressed by Ramsey and Wilshere. Truly an Arsene Wenger type player, I mean Ramsey. Holds the ball well, has the necessary vision ala Fabregas (I’m not exactly comparing both but Ramsey does have more or less the same quality as Cesc).

    I was pretty disappointed not to see Simpson score. I think he was possibly the unluckiest person on the pitch. Hehe.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:37 pm
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    Kelvinefm I totally agree with you it was just luck

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:37 pm
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    “Bring on Lehman and Co.”

    Well that’ll be an interesting one cuz there should be a fair few first teamers given their first pre-season run out. Maybe Nasri? Its a possibiliy… It’ll be much better quality opposition aswell and if we can come out of that with a 3 goal + scoreline with none conceded then that’ll be summin to get exited about. Hope wilshire gets a run out against them aswell cuz id love to see how he copes with top reltivley class opposition.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:41 pm
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    If anybody doubts that Jack Wilshere is not ready for fist team football yet then they are blind and now that we have 7 subs on the bench i fully expect him to get quiet a few run outs this season injury and form permitting of coarse

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:43 pm
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    Dissapointed with Randall today thou, better performance overall but he just doesnt look like hes completely there, which is amazing considering hes a young lad trying to break into the first team.

    One moment that summed it all up in trms of Randall was when he had the ball just outside the area, i think it was Vela who had completely open and he just had to slip the ball throu and it’d be another goal, and instead he tried to hammer it into the top corner and go for all the glory. Pre-season is about goin throu ur paces and doin what ud do in a professional game so that when the season starts ur in the habit nd its not a strain, not just hammering in shots to try and get ur name on the scoresheet. Wilshire was great, he did nearly everything right again today.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:44 pm
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    vela was brillant and so was the great dane Nicklas Bendtner

    any1 else gonna watch the spurs game to compare vela with dos santos and lol about keane this got 2 show they cant match with the big 4

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:50 pm
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    QUESTION, Who would you have as the right sided wingers this season?

    Before this pre-season i would have said the order should be:

    ROSICKY
    WALCOTT
    RANDALL

    After pre-season for me it has to be;

    Rosicky
    Wilshere
    Walcott

    I know Wilshere is 16 but for me his play is so positive, he does what i wish Walcott would do, head up, commits defenders, excellent final boy, im not judging this off his performance tonight, every pre season game he has been good, reminds me alot of joe cole, this kid for me shows more promise than David Bentley did and right now shows better potential than Randall or Walcott do.

    We have all prayed for Walcott to explode on the scene, but lets be honest i just think hes good but not amazing, whereas Wilshere has better vision, better skill, and influences games.

    When Walcott comes off the bench yeah he looks good, but when he starts games he goes missing, if i was Theo i would be worried, if he doesnt produce this season, fans will be chanting for Wilshere to come on.

    My only hope is that Wilshere stays injury free because if he does, Arsenal and England have a special player on their hands!

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:50 pm
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    Good game! Can’t wait for stuttgart!! I just found out my pay-per-view sports channel will show all the emirates cup games :D and I bought tickers for the Amsterdam Tournement… I hope we can make a signing by the end of the week as well, would be perfect!

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:52 pm
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    bendtner,vela,wilshare were all class,

    IT LOOKS LIKE WILSHERE WILL BE STARTING AT WESTBROM……

    when ever wilshere plays, he impresses. awsome…..

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:53 pm
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    i related to wilshere hes gonna make it big with arsenal

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:57 pm
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    simply superb! sums the game up.
    well the first half anyway, the second half wasnt as interesting quite quiet a typical friendly.
    overall many positives from wilshere, vel,a ramsey and bendtner
    c’mon you gunners

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  • July 28, 2008 at 6:57 pm
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    Sorry CC, but i am 100% sure Arsene wont start Wilshere, i think earliest we will see him is Carling Cup, remember Wenger is loyal, he will give Walcott his chance, even if up until Christmas Theo hasnt done it, but as i said before, Theo has to step up this season, the fans have been patient but now they Wilshere’s progress, it will be hard for him to stop the Wilshere bandwagon.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:02 pm
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    I must say Randell should be sweating on his future. He looks overly casual. I thought Denilson done himself a favour today but Wilshere… well Wilshere looks the real deal.

    Positives so far this pre-season – Wilshere, Randell, Simpson

    Negs – Lansbury, Randell and G.Hoyte.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:04 pm
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    Wilshere isn’t good enough to start yet, he may tear apart 22 postmen but the Premiership is a different story.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:06 pm
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    The guy has huge potential but let’s face it, why play him over Rosicky, Walcott, Nasri, Vela or van Persie on the wing when they’re clearly better?

    Don’t get too over excited about the kid, he’s looking very special but let’s not ruining him by throwing him into the deep end.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:06 pm
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    Wilshire is good enough to start but not ready to. He’ll come on the bench in one, possibly two carlin cup games and if hes very lucky he might get a premiership debut off the bench near the end of the season. But hes not guna b a starter. Not physically ready yet, and imagine if he gets a terrible injury, what a waste of a massive talent that would be.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:08 pm
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    Even though Simpson didn’t score today in all the chances he had, I think you can see he has lot’s of quality and I would fancy him a chance at Arsenal. I really hope Arsene’ll give him a chance.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:09 pm
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    I would like to formally adopt Jack Wilshere.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:20 pm
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    Much better forward passing and movement in the game today. I think Wilshire will nutured through carling cup route but has to be said, Wilshire’s game understanding & decion making is key reason while he might be fast tracked. He will definately be training regularly with the 1st team.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:23 pm
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    Sure Wilshere isn’t mature enough to start league games, but I hope that he will get a couple of substitute appearances if we are well in front in the PL. I’ve got a feeling that Wenger will use Wilshere the same way that he used Fabregas when he first arrived. At 16 he looks like he’s almost equally as impressive as Fab was, but he still needs protection.

    I hope that Merida will get a couple of games during pre-season too, after what I’ve heard, he is much more ready (mature) for first team duty than the likes of Wilshere.

    Positives so far are: Wilshere, Ramsey, Vela, Simpson

    At Stuttgart I expect to see a line-up similar to this:

    Almunia
    Sagna – Gallas – Senderos – Clichy
    Walcott – Ramsey/Denilson – Diaby – Nasri
    Bendtner – Vela

    What do you guys think? Probable?

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:25 pm
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    This mis match was just a run out for the lads to get some game time and up the fitness level, Wiltshire was aagin good but to think of starting him ahead of Rosicky, RVP, and Nasri is not going to happen, they are better players than Wiltshire, he just needs time to develope.
    Simpson was just unlucky today, he nissed one after just coming on, hit the bar and had the goal keeper make two very good saves to kkep him off the score sheet, he was always in there making angles and showing for the ball, he can be satisfied with his performance even though he never got a goal.
    Vella is an Eduardo type player it will be intresting to see who the boss plays him with?
    Theo, he should be busting a gut during these matches but he just seems so layed back, if he not carefull he’ll find him self with plenty of time on the bench, Lansbury is looking better and I like the way he plays, much better than Randell who thinks he’s a one man team.
    Can’t wait to see the shape of the first team and which one of these young guys will be in the mix come the kick off in August.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:26 pm
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    Shit! Slating the team that had about 3 1st teamers in it for conceding when they were 10 nil up! Hilarious.

    And saying Wilshire is better than Theo based on a couple of pre-season games?

    Hahahahahaha! Clueless.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:30 pm
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    wilshere was awesome, gonna be a fantastic player one day,

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:43 pm
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    Entertaining game.

    For those of you complaining that this was poor opposition for this period of pre-season, perhaps that was planned? They haven’t played for a whole week and intsead have done a lot of fitness and rigorous training, so this was a game where they could enjoy football again and build up confidence for the younger players.

    Don’t forget the team we played last week were’nt meant to get a result against us, we made them look good.

    Personally, despite the lack of quality from the opposition, we played so much better, our passing was sharper and quicker, our movement was excellent, everything was 10x better. If we had played like that last week we would have won comfortably.

    G Hoyte looked so much more assured and stronger and his defensive positioning improved.

    Don’t be harsh on Lansbury this pre-season, he’s been out for 6 months and it will take him a lot longer than 3 games to get close to his best. That said, playing out of position he did well getting forward, put some good crosses in and got back and made some good tackles. I’ve had to play out of position at right-back before, its a lot harder than you think.

    I’m not going to say anything on Wilshere except I’m happy he got his first senior goals for the club. Let’s not hype him up too much and put pressure on him.

    I was pleased that when asked who stood out, Wenger didn’t name names. He knew the interviewer wanted him to say Wilshere, but sensibly he refused to mention. He doesn’t want players to be put in the spotlight like Walcott was when he joined the club, because a decent English kid at Arsenal, the press will go crazy.

    It looks like there’s a strong team spirit in the camp which is good to see.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:46 pm
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    I think Theo should be first choice right wing with Simpson giving him competetion. I think Simpson deserves a chance.

    Left wing will be Nasri backed up by Vela/Barazite until Rosicky is better.

    Eduardo could be used in the CC and FAcup until he is fit enough again for the pl.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 7:56 pm
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    FFS calm down. Our ladies team could have beaten that bunch of useless losers by a clear 5 goals at least. You talk as though we just beat a decent team 10-2. The fact we can even concede 2 goals against this shite no matter what defence we had, should be a worry to you. Having orgasms over the fact we beat a bunch of part time bell hoppers is laughable.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 8:04 pm
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    Henri Lansbry will take at least 2/3 months to get back to his best and let us not for get before he got glandular fever he was the best player in the reserve team and not Nacer Barazite, as for Jack Wilshere the kid is the dogs cajones and he will only get better and as for this season i expect him to play most of it in the reserves with some Carling Cup football and then towards the back end of the season i personally think Arsene Wenger will start to give him 15 minutes here and 20 minutes there to get him used to first team football

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  • July 28, 2008 at 8:09 pm
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    Yea i agree with kent i thought Lansbury looked better today even thou he was playing left back

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  • July 28, 2008 at 8:13 pm
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    I think wilshere has a lot of potential, but i wouldnt get carried away. give him some carling cup games, and maybe loan him out to a championship side to get some experience.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 8:33 pm
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    Wilshere is the most talented youngster to play for Arsenal since Cesc.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:02 pm
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    im very excited about wilshere but give him some breathing space…wenger will not play him until the cc or end of season unless a crisis-which i doubt cause we have far too many mids! does any1 agree that out of all these teen ‘stars'(and id say that at least 25 are bein touted as future world beaters-only 10 or 11 r gona be able to fit into r squad in the future-theyre all the same age so some will miss the boat…wilshere,lansbury,randall,denilson,fab,diaby,nasri,ramsey,walcott,song,gibbs,barazite,coquelin,merida,botelho-theres just too many i can only see about 6 of these making it at arsenal…diaby,wilshere,nasri,ramsey,barazite,coquelin(fab wil go) and although the rest may be successful..it,ll be sidwell,harper,pennant standard-average…we should create world stars like ajax did and man utd did 2 win things not to gain profit..to me we,re similar to 90,s ajax-we produce stars and sell them but the difference is ajax won things…im proud of wenger but sometimes he needs 2 drop the youth craze b4 its too late…we need the right balance…altough im sounding negative i do r strike force is strong contrary to media opinion…i love rvp and eduardo,adebayor is effective..theres worse 4th choices about then bendtner(who gives us another dimension) and vela looks good enough 4 me i also like simpson-can see him being a les ferdinand type in the future…senderos,hoyte,song,djourou,eboue should be sold and replaced with experienced prem players- for me yobo and barry(i know very unlikely) would see us win something

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:08 pm
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    Lansbury should be left alone for a bit more by us fans. he is better than he is showing but he has been ill for months.

    Wilshere, Ramsey and Vela were awesome. Simpson was very good. Denilson, Walcott, Traore and Bendtner were good.
    But Randall, the Hoytes and even Mannone didn’t cover themselves in glory. Randall keeps having games like that. He needs to improve.
    If the Hoytes are at CB in the carling we are in trouble!! Gavin is the better of the pair and he did make a superb tackle. Mannone is young, I will let him off.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:12 pm
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    Lots of big statements, but I think we need to remember this is not top flight opposition. Still, Wilshere and Ramsey are clearly exciting prospects, and now Vela is starting to get used to the Arsenal way which has real first team implications.

    Then only real negative for me has been Randall – don’t know what’s in his head. I’ve never considered the Hoytes A-grade defenders. Hopefully Gavin has learnt a bit from his spell at CB, but I think Jusin’s missed the boat.

    Denilson looks like he’s starting to step up. I expect Diaby will partner Cesc now in some of the other pre-season games. Interesting who will win that battle.

    I’m disappointed Nordveit went home early. Certainly would have liked to see more of him than the Hoytes. I thought he was going to knock on the door for the first team this season, but maybe it’s too early. I think we need another quality CB to back up Toure and Gallas 5-star not 4-star.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:15 pm
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    IM SHOCKED THAT A STRIKER can get so much praise when he never scored Simpson is talented and Im glad everyone can see that ..Wilshre is something else hopefully his time will come

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:24 pm
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    JS ‘Walcott was simply brilliant…’ utter rubbish. You should know better. Keep enthusiasm for occasions when it is merited.
    No he was n’t brilliant – he was relatively lively against an insult to a pub team.
    The ONLY thing you can possibly take from this game (unless you know nothing about the game that is) is Wilshire’s performance. He is still at the stage where you develop in agame like this. SOMEBODY ACTUALLY THOUGHT THAT SIMPSON WAS A DECENT BET ON THE WING!!!
    Do people know ANYTHING?
    Criticism of Randall shows the level of knowledge of most of you. Oh, so I’m wrong ah that must be it, me and Arsene think he’s got something we MUST be wrong – tough Mr Wenger is the boss thank god!!

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:25 pm
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    bendtner was excellent and vela impressed!! :D

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:37 pm
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    this is what i knew would happen. an easy 10-2 win against a load of rubbish. we need proper games to get us going and not playing these pub teams.

    wilshere should be starting in the premiership ahead of rosicky who never plays. wilshere is far better.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:42 pm
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    Why did Nordtveit leave the training camp? Is he injured?

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:51 pm
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    “wilshere should be starting in the premiership ahead of rosicky who never plays. wilshere is far better.”

    are you having a lough, ok wilshere is a tromendous talent but he isnt ready for the prem yet never mind a 1st team slot in a team chalenging for the title, he isnt built enough for it, hes used to the “light weight” tackles of the reserves and youth team football and lets face it the past 3 freindly games havent real been premiership grit!

    weve all see the bad tackes, the strong tackles and the dangerous ones week in week out in every game in the premiership, no offence but if wilshire was to catch one of those he would be on the bed with eduardo, that isnt what we want, what wenger wants and more importantly what he wants.

    lets all calm down, dont put TOO much presure on his sholders and lets not brand him as the mega star as all hes proved so far is he can tear pre season and resereve sides

    lets all just chill out and let the lad develope at his own rate and time, lets not forget that pressuer helps no one, that was walcotts biggest downfall

    please just stop pulling his name around like hes the next marradona!

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  • July 28, 2008 at 9:57 pm
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    It has to be said yet again how disappointing and defeated Randall was again today on the pitch, going for passes and shots that you can tell he knew were the wrong choice as if he is trying to push the issue. For his sake, I hope he and Mr. Wenger can turn s fortunes and attitude around or I don’t realistically see a professional future for him at this club.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 10:04 pm
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    hes bold
    hes shit
    he plays when no one is fit
    PASCAL CYGAN, PASCAL CYGAN.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 10:06 pm
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    Errr…Lansbury played right-back and shone IMO. I believe that was the first time he has ever played there. Very creative mind on him and industrious….proper gets stuck in too….quality! Randall will never make it here. I have seen him play on over 15 occasions now and all this time gave him the benefit of the doubt, even though i secretly knew he aint ready and never will be. His mind does not tick over quick enough to play at the highest level.

    Ramsey – Boy, i’m glad he chose us. Class.
    Denny – Brilliant today, even the way he helped the defence out. Did he give the ball away?
    Wilshere – Too easy…i will say this though. God willing, he will sign professional terms with us on 01/01/09 (His birthday). AW will then slowly blood him in and i for one wont be surprised if he actually STARTS one or two CC games and even FA cup games (depending on the opposition).
    Nikki B – Who said on here yesterday he doesn’t run in behind opposition defences? Nice confidence boost today. Happy for him.
    Vela – Different class! He enjoyed himself.
    Simpson – Very unlucky today like a couple of you have already stated even though he should have scored that open goal. Still, i love the way he receives the ball with his back to goal and rolls his man. Bit like Wrighty with great strength (just needs to start finishing like Wrighty). He will develop still, interesting to see what happens with him. I’m willing to be patient with him.
    Traore – Lovely crossing at times. Has the potential to be a top class left winger (and i literally hated this guy after he made Aaron Lennon look world class last year in the CC cup)
    Gavin Hoyte – WHEN he improves on his positioning and hopefully his aerial ability, can be great. He has time on his side.
    Justin – Best game i’ve seen him play in donkey’s…very composed on the ball, will never be good enough to command a first team place but he was good today.
    Mannone – Never liked him. Wojciech Szczesny will be a much better keeper than him.
    Theo – Bloody hell u lot! He will be the superstar they were going on about a couple of years ago…I AM POSITIVE! Right or left wing is where he is most effective at the moment.

    Yes they were more like BurGERland than Burgenland but the lads’ fitness levels have come on good with these excercises.

    AW said in his post-match interview that the international players will play against Stuttgart. Then he was asked if Nasri will play and he smiled and replied “Yes, Nasri is part of the internationals as well”. Looking forward to seeing how he does.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 10:17 pm
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    Don´t be stupid ” wilshere should be starting in the premirship ahead of rosicky who never never plays. wilshere is far better” I agree the boy may someday become a class act. But what Quality opposition has wilshere played against??..unlike Rosicky who has played against the likes of R.Madrid, AC Milian, Barca and so on. A fit Rosicky is miles ahead of Wilshere, so don´t hype the boy up. Too damn silly- dont make me laugh.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 10:26 pm
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    Good game alot of players played well Wilshire/ Ramsey/ Vela and Bendtner were the best i thought. But the team we were playin were shocking we could of scored 20 easy. Couple things im not sure about, how hoyte get ahead of Norverit inthe pecking order seems a weird 1 i know he got talent we he aint ready yet. Also wheres Merdia wanted to see him 2day any1 think he will play aprt in nxt game. Also why Randall i never liked him, Barazite is much better than him. Dont think Randall good enough for us. See how he does in other games thou.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 10:27 pm
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    Good post, TJ, but I think Randall looks like he will be a good player, although he appears to be a little bit too arrogant and selfish around the box for his current age and level of skill/physical attributes. But I like the type of player. I agree with you that he’s not ready – yet. If his attitude improves (correct me if I’m wrong on the attitude part, ’cause I haven’t seen that much of him), he might well become a first team regular in 3 years time or so.

    I agree with you on Lansbury, though, taken into consideration that he was out last season with the glandular fever, along with him playing out of position, he performed far above what one can expect from a 17 year old. Still, he’s got something to prove this season, primarily with the reserves and possibly in a Carling Cup side.

    Theo should continue playing on the right wing, he’s much better there than on the left and even as a striker.

    I see Traore as a much better prospect at the left wing than at left back. He’s got an excellent level of skill and lots of pace, as well as a thunderbolt of a shot. I think he lacks defensive genes to succeed at LB, though.

    I thought it was a shame that players like Paul Rodgers didn’t get another chance at CB, he’s really impressed me. But then again, I don’t follow the reserves and U-18s THAT much.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 10:32 pm
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    Im sorry but im going to upset all of the Jay Simpson lovers on here!He had 4 great chances and didnt convert any of them!That just isn’t good enough.I honestly believe that both Rhys Murphy and Nacer Barazite would have taken at least 2 of those chances.Also with a fully fit Henri Lansbury Mark Randall would get nowhere near the centre of Arsenals midfield.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 10:55 pm
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    is it me or did evry other person miss coquelin hes played just 2 games for us and i alreadii cannot get over him getting injured

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  • July 28, 2008 at 10:56 pm
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    Muppets galore still!!!
    HAVE YOU NOT GRASPED THAT THE GAME MEANT NOTHING TO DECIDE ON ANY PLAYER except Jack and maybe Lansbury for confidence.The opposition would be relagated from the Waltham Forest reserves league for the terminally useless at football!!!!

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  • July 28, 2008 at 11:05 pm
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    MOSES SIGNS NEW 4 YEAR DEAL AINT COMING ARSENAL

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  • July 28, 2008 at 11:05 pm
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    Thanks Matt…it aint Randall’s attitude it’s his inability to think ahead of the play like all great playmakers (which is what he should be). Ramsey has that, as does Denilson, Wilshere, Merida and Lansbury (and they aint the only ones – i’m just giving examples). J’s article yesterday (i think yesterday, anyway) was about the youngsters having a last chance to stake their claim and show what they can do. Randall kinda blew it. WAY too lacklustre and sloppy. But AW has more patience than us so he will prob go out on loan rather than be sold. I just believe that if he doesn’t perform this season (wherever he may play on loan) then he will be sold next summer. Jay Thomas and Emmanuel Frimpong are more impressive IMO. Plus i have heard some great things about Chuks Aneke even though i haven’t seen him play before. Randall will hold these boys back if he stays.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 11:08 pm
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    I personally dont want Moses even though he looks a talent. I’m excited about Benik Afobe and i believe Luke Freeman can be a good player too.

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  • July 28, 2008 at 11:12 pm
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    no wilshire should not be starting premiership games

    far 2 early for his development

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  • July 28, 2008 at 11:22 pm
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    btw we wont be getting moses he just signed 4 year deal with palace!

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  • July 28, 2008 at 11:39 pm
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    Yea thats true, Moses did just sign a new 4 year deal with palace as C.Harding said.

    Even thou contracts mean very little these days ud think thats an indication hes not looking to leave any time soon.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 12:01 am
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    very true johnny, ill find out 2moro for u lot becos crystal palace is my local side so ill go down to selhurst when they play fulham and ill discover if there was any truth in this deal!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 1:29 am
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    Mentioning Fulham, they’ve been buisy in the transfer market this summer, lots of players out but even more in. If they get Johnson then they can be a very formidable force next season, although to be honest i think Johnson would be foolish to move. Everton are one of those sides u feel can break the top four with a few quality signings. There again they need the cash if they’re guna get Moutinho, who’d be a massive addition. They’d need to replace Johnson thou cuz other than him only Yakubu is a really quality striker on their books, although Vaughn might beable to become a pretty good player if he avoids injury and improves a bit.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 1:32 am
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    Everton, Villa, Portsmouth and Blackburn are 4 sides we rly have to watch over the next month or two, and ofcourse Spurs although despite havin made some good signings look like their guna loose a few massive players aswell, Keanes gone and Berbatov will almost definatly go (hope its 2 Milan nt Utd). Sunderland could be dangerious 2, Keane’s a quality manager and hes made a few good signings this summer, if he sticks with them they can be pushing for a UEFA cup spot in a couple of seasons.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 1:51 am
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    if u guys realized, so far players that really impress are all new to first team. ramsey, wilshire, that french guy and vela. i think first team players will start to put good performance once they face more serious opponents like stutgart and during emirates as well as amsterdam cup. after that we all can start to judge who really going to shine this season.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 5:02 am
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    Couple points:

    1. Vela is all class, WAY above the talent in this group today (bar Theo). Never mind that the opposition was crap — Vela is not only an international for a powerful Mexican side, he’s one of the genuine stars. Starting strikers who scores and sets up goals. So it’s no shock that he came in and looked terrific. He’ll be an impact player in the Prem, as well. I can’t believe how everyone’s forgotten that he was even arriving this year. It’s like signing a true talent. Carlos will get 15+ goals and be involved in plenty more. Remember that AW said THREE years ago that Vela would be the very highest quality — and the boss has never wavered from that.

    2. Arsene will have a tough time hiding Wilshere from the media pack. He’ll try to keep the boy under the radar but, like Cesc, the kid might be so advanced that there’s no way to keep him under wraps. Everything he does is SO natural and easy — all while seeing the game develop and sensing two passes ahead. How many 16-year-olds could have pulled off that move where he was under pressure and just let the ball run past him? Dummied it to himself! Then a quick spin and he was off. That’s veteran stuff.

    This isn’t a perfect team by any means and we still need a savvy DM to partner Cesc, I think, but there is some serious quality among the young ones. Ramsey’s gonna be great, ditto Coquelin (where does he find these guys?) and I still believe in Simpson.

    Sorry to say, though, that Randall keeps turning down chances to step up in the pecking order. As others have noted, I don’t think he has that natural “feel” for the game you see in great players.

    If you didn’t know the ages, you’d think Wilshere was 25 and only playing this game for fitness, while Randall looks like a little lost boy.

    But I STILL don’t understand why anyone would be surprised that Vela looks world-class. He’s been at that level for a year and a half.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 6:08 am
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    Cali Steve – Vela does look good but its way premature to call him world class. Those words are used way too often. World class means one of the best in the world. Vela is a teenager yet to prove himself at the highest level. He did well for a struggling team in La Liga but he’s got it all to do for us. Can he handle the premiership? I think he’ll find it it difficult at first, probably coming on from the bench. He’ll find it physical and fast. He’s got the talent and I’m looking forward to seeing him give it his best shot. World class though? Reserve that for the four players who truly are – Fab, VP, Rosicky and Gallas. Shame two are always injured.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 6:55 am
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    Im liking the way this Wilshere boy is making a name for himself.At 16,comes into the reserve side and starts making waves,somehow like a one Cesc Fabregas.Saying that Wenger will let him play at the reserves is nonsense,that will backtrack his development.Wenger knows,and knowing him,Wishere will make a handful of appearances in the league,Carling cup and the FA cup.One might dispute and say that cesc was in a class of his own,but wilshere is certainly in a class of his own as compared to the rest of the youngsters(bar Ramsey)>Wilshere’s football mind is developed enough for him to start in the Premiership,where he lacks is on the physical side but that can be sorted out.The bottomline though is that Wenger knows.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 7:29 am
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    iNLER FOR ARSENAL FROM UDINESE …ANY THOUGHTS

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  • July 29, 2008 at 7:56 am
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    don’t think we can take to much from last night. The Burgerking XI were septic. One thing that was apparent though is that Wilshere is the real deal. He is the arcitypal Wenger player, the way he sells the dummy, the way he disguises a pass, the whole package. I think he’ll most definately feature in the carling cup games and as mentioned in a previous post, the 7 subs rule might give him some Prem games. Bendtner still looks rusty, even though he got 4. Vela looks a talent, but needs to bulk up a bit. Other than that, I think we’ll get a far clearer picture of next seasons team in the next 2 or 3 games. Roll on the Emirates Cup!!!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 8:15 am
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    wilshire is a year away, now vela on the other hand, he’ll have something to say this season, he’s not going to need to adjust after two years in the technically proficient la liga. he won’t start much but aw has brought him over for a big reason. he has quality and impressive temperament. he’s ready for it. world class, too young for that, but he may be a revelation this year. he played left wing last season, nasri watch out.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 8:32 am
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    The comments are hilarious on here:

    Person 1: Player X looked great.
    Person 2: How dare you judge a player on this game? But Player Y looked shit.
    Person 3: WILSHERE WILSHERE WILSHERE.
    Person 4: We played a pub team, of course players are gonna look good. You’re all stupid for using this as a basis to say judge how a player will turn out. But Wilshere will make it and Randall suckz.

    We will start to play proper opposition soon and it sucks that ATVO won’t let me watch it. But I’d like to know how Nasri does, whether Vela plays a big role, if they can interview Eduardo and what kids will still be with the squad.

    Re: Wilshere. The hype keeps on growing but his performances have been outstanding. I personally am not going to think of him as a player anywhere near the first team or of any relevance until/if he breaks into the Carling Cup squad though. When I will watch the reserves next season and assuming he continues to play at such a high standard, my negative stance will change though. I don’t think anyone should really be called a wonderkid until they prove themselves against the best: Fabregas at Juve, Messi v. Everyone, Aguero breaking Maradona’s record etc. I can’t wait to see if we produce players of this standard though.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 8:46 am
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    line up vs. Stuttgart:

    Almunia
    Eboué Gallas Senderos Clichy
    Walcott Denilson Diaby Nasri
    Adebayor van Persie

    Subs: Sagna, Traoré, Djourou, Ramsey, Wilshire, Vela, Bendtner

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:37 am
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    Can’t believe some of the comments about Bendtner having an ‘ok’ game. The guys scores 4 goals which he took very well btw and sure his touch was a bit suspect in the opening 15 mins or so but come on. Give him a break!!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 9:42 am
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    There is not much difference between wiltshere and fabregas at the same age in my opinion which is quite some accolade.It is hard not to hype players up if they have the quality which wiltshere does then its obviously going to happen.There is nobody better than wenger in developing a young player so there is no worries on this front its just when the press get wind of him that we need to ensure it doesnt go to his head.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 10:52 am
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    i was impressed by wilshire’s peformance yet again. but i say one more season in arsenal’s reserves.
    hes like our joe cole. keep it up son!!!
    denilson looked good also, becasue i was abit worried by his performances of late.
    bendtner could be a suprise player, i thought we done a good job wen he came on for arsnal last season. scored winning goal vs spurs. only time i was disapointed with him, was when he partnerd walcott vs spurs wen we lost 5-1 to them. he had a shocking performance, along with walcott.
    walcott needs a run in the next pre seasons games now on the right hand side. if he is first choice. and also armand troare needs a run in the left wing position, as he can he our aaron lennon. lol

    but we have to sort out our defense players, what if he have a definsive injury crisis. theres no way the hoyte brothers are anywhere good enough to even play a game in the premierleague im sorry.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 11:38 am
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    “hes like our joe cole. keep it up son!!!”

    Hes not, just cuz he looks like Joe Cole a bit…

    He dribbles more like Hleb, great crossing, great shooting, great passing, great strength considering his size, and a great attitude on the pitch in that hes always chansing the ball.

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  • July 29, 2008 at 5:04 pm
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    Bendtner and Vela were great in front of goal. Walcott and Wilshere did extremely well too…

    I know he’s still 16, but now I know which shirt i’m going to buy – Wilshere!!! = )

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  • July 29, 2008 at 6:03 pm
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    football! wooo hooo!

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  • July 29, 2008 at 6:03 pm
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    ps ARSENAL!!!!!

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  • July 31, 2008 at 8:35 pm
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    Barazite is the best Youth Player i ever see. He impress me every time. Today he scored against Rushden & Diamonds.
    Top class player !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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