Unstoppable Young Gunners Help See Of VfB Challenge

Arsenal’s young starlets are starting to show up their first team counter-parts, as goals from Carlos Vela, Nicklas Bendtner and Jack Wilshere helped see of a defensive VFB Stuttgart this evening.

With the majority of the first team players now back in full training, Wenger drafted the likes of Gallas, Nasri, Adebayor, van Persie and Eboue, and once more chopped down the squad with only a handful of youngsters on the bench.

After a lack luster first period, Adebayor and van Persie were replaced with the free-scoring Vela and Bendtner, with Wenger keen to snatch the victory. The fixture offered a huge challenge to the boys, and a challenge which got even harder after Basturk’s side footed finish.

However, Arsenal’s younger playing staff looked much fresher and better prepared than the first team, and were quickly on level terms as 19 year old Carlos Vela made it four in two games as he danced past Lehmann and smashed home via the cross bar.

Aaron Ramsey, Justin Hoyte, Gavin Hoyte and Jack Wilshere all came on, and were soon celebrating as Bendtner played a 1-2 with Vela before bullying his way through, and slotting home. 2-1, and Arsenal were looking in fine form.

Earlier today we were keen to take away any expectation or pressure on Jack Wilshere, but with every game he makes it more difficult. He would grab the third and deceive strike, as he controlled Walcott’s cross and saw his left footed volley squirm through Lehmann.

The Gunners were now comfortable in possession, and Wenger made two late changes. Jay Simpson replaced fellow substitute Vela, and Mark Randall came on for Denilson.

It finished 3-1, a solid and complete performance, proving once more – If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

For a full Match Report – Check out our good friends Gooner-Talk.

Article By – J.Sanderson

148 thoughts on “Unstoppable Young Gunners Help See Of VfB Challenge

  • July 30, 2008 at 11:56 pm
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    Couldn’t agree more TopiQue. Defense seems to be our weakest link. I know it is only preseason, but the same problems that plagued us last year haven’t been addressed. We have several attacking options, especially if Eduardo comes back 100%. We need to address our central defense cover. One injury would cripple our hopes. I also think the holding midfield position needs to be addressed. I must say Eboue did well today, but someone like De La Red, YaYa, or Veloso for DM would be excellent.

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  • July 30, 2008 at 11:57 pm
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    If hleb was in wilshere’s position for the third goal,he would have tried to make a pass. Alex take note

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  • July 30, 2008 at 11:57 pm
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    TrinderGooner – Van Persie is one of only four world class players we have. He was quality against Stuttgart. Must not sell him.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:04 am
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    we must not sell adebayor I dont know why people are saying sell him are you dumb but the main problem is that we cant defend because one long ball and we panic.ITS A JOKE! but with the wilshere hype am glad he’s getting praise coz he’s a good player but everyone saying he was amazing today he scored a goal and fadin out the game but future bright for him.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:15 am
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    I didn’t see the game, I went to see the Dark Knight instead (and wow. i thought it was gonna be overhyped shit cos he’s dead but wow) and caughr the highlights. Looked just like a friendly: there was a chance for the opposition in the first half where it looked like our defence were standing around having a chin wag together, forgot they were playing football.

    Clichy for Wilshere’s goal though…. DAMN. I love this guy (no homo).

    Theo debate:
    Appearances – 39. Goals last season – 7. Assists last season – 5.
    Hleb: A – 42. G – 5. As – 8.
    Eboue: A – 36. G – 0. As – 2.
    Considering almost half of Theo’s appearances are from sub appearances, I think he’s statisticly our best rm last season. And he often proved himself able to change games (not just the ones named but think of when he came on v. Bolton. He scared the shit out of that defence.) He’s proved himself in big games, scoring and assists coming in important cup games and can be ruffless against lesser teams (Slavia, Sunderland, Derby). Given the confidence of a first xi spot and Thierry’s number, I think he can make the position his own that we haven’t seen on our wings since Bobby and Freddie.

    Whoever said that the club wanna keep the Wilshere hype in check he should stop performing so well… lol.

    Comparing Eboue to Gerrard is ridiculous.

    J says Bischoff would only be signed if he could prove long term fitness, so I trust the signing if he isn’t there to keep a smile on rosicky’s face.

    Vela and Bendtner look inspiring. I still think Bendtner will usurpe Adebayor by the end of the season, he looks so much more like Ibramovic every game, and that’s a compliment from me.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:18 am
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    WE STILL NEED A COVER FOR CLICHY

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:18 am
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    Just saw the highlights and Wilshire’s goal looks very similar to the one Messi scored against Sevilla last season. As for Carling Cup, the strike force is already there Vela and Bendtner.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:24 am
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    Saying Clichy is a problem is madness. Personally, inspiring as Cesc was, Gael was our best player last season. He is so tight at the back, the only time he ever had problems is when he was playing 2 v. 1 with no lw to help him. And he’d even come out top trumps then 95% of the time. And then to have him be able to take on defenders like he did tonight every game, the man is a legend. Seriously, if he carries on such great form for his career he’ll be in a list reserved only for Maldini, Thuram, Carlos and the like.

    Bischoff is an AM right? Arsene has said many times publicly that we need a shield from long ball teams, a real killer defensive player, and has mentioned both a CB and CM as being targets. If Bischoff is the AM, I see a CB being bought. And maybe even another CM. Think of it like this: the only players Wenger said he was going for last summer was an Henry replacement (Eduardo) and a quality player (Sagna) but we still got reinforcements like Diarra and Fabianski. I have my suspicions (sp?) that when Wenger said “1, maybe 2” he wasn’t regarding Bischoff as part of the equation, especially as the contact had already taken place and according to reports was already trying to prove his fitness at the time of the Barnet game when the comments came out.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:32 am
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    so excited about wilshere! , he looks amazing, great goal this evening, calmness personified at the tender age of 16, i know we must protect him but its hard not to get excited about his potential, many people have already nick named him “the english messi” in a couple of years i hope those cooments are accurate.

    as for nasri, not a bad debut but has just returned to training, bendtner is playing well, i hope he can continue his pre season from into the premier league campaign, then we maybe seeing a 15 goal man next season, 20 goals i dont think is a realistic target as yet, but after tis season.

    Vela also showing his class and great link up play with bendtner, the future is bright for these young guns.

    *WATCH THIS SPACE*

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:40 am
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    Clichy is rubbish defensively. He gets the odd good tackle in but you can’t get done time and again and you can’t let every single cross beat you. Look at the goals we conceded last year and tell me Clichy was not at fault for more than any other defender. He’s got the right attitude so hopefully they can work in him. It’s obvious why he doesn’t get picked for France. Sad to say it, but Evra is a better player.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:51 am
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    Adebayor is a waste of space. Always offside, always miscontrolling.
    And he’s as loyal to Arsenal as Ashley cole.
    Wenger should start with RVP and Bendtner or Vela.
    SELL ADEBAYOR. One season wonder who will fail from now on.

    Jake said this on July 30, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    Totally agree mate. This is why i’m a little upset he looks like he is staying. I can see how frustrating this season is gonna be if Ade plays as our main striker and aint dropped for Nikki B to partner RVP. We got the most creative midfielders on god’s green earth but it aint gonna mean shit if they’re trying to play Ade through all the time as the twat is always offside…F***ING ALWAYS OFFSIDE. He did it last year far too much and seems as though he’s up to his old tricks this season again (big surprise). He seriously dont know how the rule works man! Just watching the first 45 minutes reminded me of one of the main reasons why i hate this guy.

    I got this feeling that Senderos, Walcott and Bendtner are gonna have very good seasons. Man dem are gunning Theo i see. Well i’ll tell u what Mike and co…anyone who has ever played the game of football will tell u that the worse……the very worse thing to deal with is electrifying pace. There aint a damn thing u could do to a player if they knock it past u and go when u cant match their pace. In the lower leagues all over the world there are players with blistering pace like Theo but what seperates the likes of Theo, CR (greaseball), Robben, Messi, Giggs (in his prime), Leeds’ Harry Kewell etc, etc, is that close control and ability to pick that final ball. CR was absolute kak for manure at the age of 19, Theo is a better all round player right now than he was at that age. Remember CR would just like to beat a player over, and over and over again without actually doing anything. Thats why RVNist wanted to knock him out in training once! Greedy show-off cunt that he is. Theo is a gentleman and phenomenally electrifying player. Seems to be grasping the “Arsenal Way” better than ever before (the link up with RVP in the first half was beautiful to watch…good save mad Jens) and is an absolute nightmare when running at you. Does anyone ever take the phsychological aspect into account? The boy never kicked a ball for our first team and got dragged off to the World Cup. A few months before that he joined one of the biggest clubs in Europe and being English, naturally attracted crazy, out of order, attention! At 17? It’s madness, and damn hard to come to terms with it all. Logical thinking is in order people! The reason people get on Eboue’s and Ade’s backs is cos they are both 24 and wont improve as much as the teenagers and lads who are in their early 20’s, i.e, Clichy, Fabz, Nasri, Senderos, Djourou, Song, Diaby, Denny, Nikki B, Theo, Vela etc. You can have more patience with those lads as they have a much larger margin for improvement. Still, happy with Eboue today, looked decent there. Despite his worryingly high success rate of fucking up that final ball i have always admired his dynamism. Maybe he can surprise a few this year, who knows? Oh, by the way….whoever mentioned Rooney was performing consistently at 16 years old is having a laugh. He was actually quite inconsistent and a dirty little bastard at that. If Ol’ Red Nose didnt tame the cunt he will be in Joey Barton’s position right now. The only time Rooney is consistent is against us the fucking twat. Only Cesc and Messi have been consistent at that age but i’m still waiting for Jack to have a bad game…it’s only inevitable….or is it?

    Fuck, i just realised no one’ll probably read this as its so long but what the hay! I’m tired, lean and upset at my fellow Gooners for having a pop at our TEENAGERS! Going bed now…a happy Gooner.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 1:07 am
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    why wenger put eboue as defensive midfield??..even ramsey are better him

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  • July 31, 2008 at 1:14 am
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    TJ use paragraphs m8. You like to leave long comments and it seems such an arduous task to read all of it. I stopped mid way.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 1:19 am
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    Adebayor’s staying because no one can really afford him. There are better strikers on sale for cheaper prices who have to stay at their clubs this summer, we just have to put up with him. Hopefully he plays like a man trying to win back our hearts. As someone who can’t afford to see the team live, I don’t really want to comment on booing and the such, but I don’t really believe on discouraging on of your teams own players unless under exceptional circumstances (like if we had joey barton or a bnp voter in the ranks).

    JWLF: I disagree with you but ok. I can only think of 2 examples of Clichy’s defending being the cause of a goal last season (the non-penalty at Brum; i can’t remember who we were playing but a limp pass to flam instead of a clearance that was pounced on.) I can’t think of one winger that’s made it past him successfully. In fairness, I only watched about 20 full games and only relied on highlights/radio for the rest but still, I can’t think of one. If Clichy played lb in say 30+ league games last season, I genuinely rememver him being solid (and more than often, outstanding) in 25+. His passing accuracy was 80%+, his crossing and ball retention have improved significantly and he kept the likes of Ronaldo, Alves and Cole in check last season. Great defender.

    Sometimes I think people just try and pick our best to argue about because they are bored of the same discussions about Almunia, Senderos, Hoyte and Eboue. And so am I, but Clichy and Theo are starting to make names known across the globe as exciting talents. They aren’t sacred sheep by any means (although at this rate people’ll be slagging off cesc soon enough) but this just seems like people are being goaded just because they can.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 1:32 am
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    why wenger put eboue as defensive midfield??..even ramsey are better him

    air asia said this on July 31, 2008 at 1:07 am

    -Pre season is primarily there for 3 reasons: regaining fitness, experimenting and building team confidence and ‘togetherness’. Playing Eboue could fulfill all three quotas. He is renowned for building morale; is having his first game back and is a fast defensive player with lots of stamina. It’s not crazy to try him there as he is a player who looks like he could be a great talent, if he was ever to find a place for him to achieve the potential (in which rm clearly isn’t.)

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  • July 31, 2008 at 1:35 am
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    Samuel – I’ll lay off Clichy for now in the hope that he will prove me wrong and defend properly from now on. His work going forward is good, though not at Evra’s level, and he appears to be a very popular member of the squad – generally a likeable guy. Eboue of course is completely different, though also was a decent fullback going forward and not great defensively, but his attitude is all wrong and he’s dirty. Be interesting to see if he gets more chances in CM.

    Interesting you mention Almunia. I’ve not seen anyone slag him off, but I’d definitely jump on that bandwagon. The guy is average. Not good enough if we want to win things. At the top level a top keeper can make the difference and Almunia isn’t good enough in the air, goes walkabout (e.g. manure at home last year) and ain’t great on free kicks.

    On the positive side, I am really excited about the combinations up front and coming from wide – RVP, Walcott, Vela, Bendtner and even Ade if he decides he wants to be a good player for us. Nasri looks quality too.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 2:10 am
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    JWLF: Ha, the arsenal blog i most frequent, i guess the second biggest (or it was until gs went awol) is almunia hate central. only last week i was called tory scum for saying that even though he was a shit keeper, there is nothing wrong with him trying to be a role model like the article on .com stated. The hate is that deep that you must hate him 100% over there, it’s odd to even see him be defended elsehwere. Personally, I think his positional sense is awful but he’s a good shot stopper and organises his defence well. Unfortunatly, the positional sense is a sticking point: unless it majorly improves he will be continiously caught out on free kicks and counter attacks and will prove that he isn’t worthy of seaman’s number.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 2:31 am
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    Carlos Vela is awesome, better than Walcott. I think he needed to be loaned out to other clubs to gain experience. I really hope he honors the legendary 14.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 2:36 am
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    Watching Adebayor play can be really fustrating at times, he strays offside alot. When he loses the ball usually through his own miscontrolling of the ball, he will just throw his hand up and he seldom make the effort to chase it down.

    Defence is the weakest link but to say clichy is rubbish defensively?? I disagree with that. He makes alot of interceptions, clearances and i think his tackling is top class. He does get caught out sometimes when he bomb up forward to support the attack or when the LW goes missing but other than that he has been really solid and tight at the back.

    On another note, i like what i’m seeing from the Vela and Bendtner partnership. Great goals from both of them and also from the emerging talent, Wilshere.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 3:44 am
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    Bendtner and Vela seem to forming a good partnership, the former plays alot better with a vela/eduardo type player; his deep playmaking abilities coupled with his aerial prowess make him the ideal partner for a lethal finisher, of which we have two (potentially). I wonder if Wenger would be willing to let Adebayor go if Bendtner has a good season and shows clear signs of improvement and consistency?

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  • July 31, 2008 at 4:44 am
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    Great Write-up mate, here are my player ratings:

    Almunia – Very solid outing, you could see that he was trying to be more vocal, and had a fantastic save in the first half from a shot that looked like it hit the side netting straight but on closer inspection was a great save. 7.5

    Sagna – Solid as you like at the back, had some great forays up front. Showed tenacity and bottle. Faded somewhat in the second half and was replaced because of what looked like an injury, hopefully nothing too serious. 7

    Gallas – Great to see him back with the armbad, got a little nervous when ArsenalTV made it it seem like he was going to be stripped off the captaincy in favour of Almunia(?!). Anyway not bad for his first game back, showed his class but not much of an understanding with Djourou. 6.5

    Djourou – Not a bad performance, was hoping to see him in the DM position he keeps talking about. Anyway Made a few fouls at the back that resulted in him picking up a yellow card. Slightly off the pace and not much of an understanding with Gallas, but I guess that can be forgiven considering its only their first game back of pre-season. 5.5

    Clichy – Future legend in the making! Was a great attacking outlet even though he was caught upfront a few times early in the game. Tenacious, looks in great shape – showed magnificent determination to set up Wilshere just doesn’t give up! Deserved to get the goal he was trying hard so to get, Someday soon Gael! 8

    Nasri – Showed real class, great setpiece delivery from freekicks and corners, great balance and dribbling ability, his pace was great too. It’ll take him a little time to hit top form but Arsene does know what he’s doing and he’s found a little gem here! 7.5

    Eboue – Seemed quite anonymous for much of the first half which is understandable considering I don’t think he’s ever played in central midfield. No major errors though. 5.5

    Denilson – slowly getting into the groove of things, has had a lot of minutes this preseason. He still hasn’t hit the heights of his break-out season the season before last but I’ve every reason to believe he will. Good distribution. 6.5

    Walcott – One of the best players in the first half, learning to use his pace to good effect, looks sharp and in great shape. Unlucky not to score with Lehman making a great save. Good intelligent running and link-up play, I think he’ll hit the ground running come West Brom. 8

    Adebayor – Looked rusty for his first game back. Looked clumsy and his first touch wasn’t great, but he started last season the same way and 30 goals later….! Anyway his passing and link-up play was decent but hopefully he gets his sharpness back quickly or Bendtner will be replacing him in the starting XI! 5.5

    Van Persie – Such a top class player, and you can tell whenever he plays no matter how out of shape or form he’s in. Some great runs, dribbling and magnificent through ball for a Walcott chance in the first half. I’m praying he stays fit! 7.5

    SUBS

    Fabianksi – Looked very solid, had more to do than Almunia did in the first half. Came out and acted as a sweeper very well on a few occasions when he was needed. You can tell he’ll become a keeper with a great presence. Not too much he could do about the goal and great instinctive save very late on in the game. 7.5

    Bendtner – Picked up right where he left off against Bergenland! His first touch is back, confidence clearly flowing, great reverse through-ball for Vela for the first goal and showed magnificent strength, awareness and finishing to hold of Bouhlarouz and sidefoot a half-volley past Lehman for the second goal. Watch out Adebayor, he’s coming for your spot! 9

    Vela – Also picked up right where he left of against Bergenland, great instinctive player and his goal was just that, pure instinct and great awareness to knock the ball away from Lehman and smash it in off the crossbar. His assist for Bendtner’s goal was great as well, reminiscent of Fabregas’ assist for Guiza in the Euro’s! Quite the partnership he’s forming with Bendtner, and we’re beginning to see why there was so much hype around our Mexican warrior! 9

    Wilshere – It’s getting harder and harder to keep this player under wraps and not too hype him too much! Early on you could tell he was playing with a little fatigue as he had only played 48hrs previously at only 16. A few passes and decisions were just a shade off, but you can tell this player has real class. Good link up play, attempted a few of his trademark reverse passes, and a great left-footed half volley finish for his goal, though it did help that he was completely unmarked! I just pray he isn’t snapped up before he signs his first professional contract at 17! 8.5

    Ramsey – The passes he made when he came on were magnificent. 100% inch-perfect passes almost like I’ve never seen before. Helped the team play some great possession football and really helped spread the play late on. 8

    Lansbury / Simpson / G Hoyte / J Hoyte – Helped see the game out but not enough time to assign a rating.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 5:19 am
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    what stood out the most from yesterday game was vela-bendtner partnership. they much better than RVP-adebayor combo. they both scored than gave assist to their strike partner. i would say that’s a perfect striker partnership. the beauty about them is they both totally different type of player but somehow they combine well. the nature of their goal was also uniqeu. bendtner used his huge body and bullied his way to score, typical powerful striker goal while vela shown superb pace, ball control and movement, attribute for a deadly finisher. if they both keep perform like this wenger got huge problem in hand as to select which striker combo to start againts west brom / 3rd round champion league qualifier opponent. at the moment, my pick obviously vela-bendtner.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 5:55 am
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    not seen enough comments from you on ramsey, how did he feature?

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  • July 31, 2008 at 6:06 am
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    Did no one notice that Justin Hoyte came on at half time for Djourou? Arsenal.com missed it, the commentators missed it and every analysis I’ve seen has missed it. He didn’t do much but he certainly replaced Djourou at half time!

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  • July 31, 2008 at 6:40 am
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    IM SORRY BUT I REALLY THINK ARSENAL’S CENTRE BACK’S ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH. GALLAS HAS NOT GOT THE PACE, SO HE CAN MAKE THAT UP BY BEING A GOOD READER OF THE GAME, LIKE TERRY,CARRAGHER,VICIC,WOODGATE. BUT HE DOSENT EVEN READ THE GAME TO WELL. I CAN IMAGINE HIM GETTING BEAT FOR PACE WEN HES UP AGAINST THE LIKES OF ROONEY,MARTINS ECT. AND DJUROU,- IM NOT TO IMPRESSED BUT HIM AT ALL.
    I JUSST SEE ANOTHER SEASON WERE DEFENSE IS GOING TO LET US DOWN. I REALLY CANT SEE WHY ARSENE CANT SEE THIS,EVERYONE MIGHT NOT THINK LIKE ME.
    BUT WHEN WE GET KNOCKED OUT OF CUPS BECAUSE OF OUR POOR DEFENSE, IM GOING TO SAY TOLD U SO….

    APART FROM THAT, GOOD PEFORMANCE BY ARSENAL, BENDTNER LOOKS LIKE A FUTURE STARR, HES ONLY 19 OR 20. REALLY LIKED HIS GOAL.
    I CANT BELIEVE WILSHIRE SCORED AGAIN AGAINST A TEAM LIKE STUGARRT.
    HE ACTUALLY MIGHT BE PUSING FOR THE FIRST TEAM. …WOW

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  • July 31, 2008 at 7:19 am
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    I think the debate about Theo boils down to the simple fact that there is a sector of Gooners who WANT him to be wonderful, probably because he’s English.

    Theo IS a good player, and he will be a better play in time, but he’s never going to be great.

    There is a huge difference between the potential of a Cesc or now Wilshire, and the potential of Theo.

    The people hyping Theo are not doing him any favours, because people are just looking at what these people are writing and thinking wtf?!?!?!?!

    He’s good, he’s never going to be brilliant, that’s sadly about it.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 7:41 am
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    Is it me or is Carlos vela electric i didnt think he was that fast-sum of his runs were class he was beeating 2 o3 three people great dribbler. Bendtner looks stronger and more agile if he gets his first touch right hes gonna be superb. Ramsey grabbed hold of our midfield and stopped stuttgart from getting runner in midfield. I LIKE RAMSEY HE CAN PLAY RB< RMCM>AM?LM?SS we need players like that especailly ones the with the talent of ramsey. Theo walcott was amazing he really has improved hes now looks up more and sees a pass, but did u c that run in da second half abosulte brilliance. I also liked LUKASZ FABIANSKI awareness he was cvering alot of djourou and gallas. He also has safe hands.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 8:05 am
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    V_f great ratings mate! But I don’t agree with Bendtner’s 9 because I think Carlos Vela is the only one who should have a 9, and therefore be man of the match?!! According to your comments you would probably choose Bendtner as man of the match, correct me if I am wrong…

    TW14 will become a good and maybe even a great player but I can understand why people always complaining about him. He doesn’t show a steady progress but I think he still has a lot to improve. sometimes he looks like he lacks the intrlligence more than the confidence.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 8:07 am
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    van persie and Carlos vela paring up front i would love to see i think that would make a hell of a partnership adebayor is saw shit and he is very frustrating to watch i really don’t think him and van persie will work how many times is this guy off side in a game and hes first touch is terrible Ive noticed every time he playez with van persie he finds it difficult to adapt

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  • July 31, 2008 at 8:14 am
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    carlos vela for me could be the next fernando torres

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  • July 31, 2008 at 8:30 am
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    Mike: That really isn’t the impression I get. Over the past season, the concensus on Theo has pretty much gone from “eh, send him on loan” to “ok, he’s proved himself worthy of replacing hleb at rm”.

    I have never seen “FUCK TES WE HAVE THE NEXT RONALDO/MESSI!”. Or much hype at all. After years of too many crazy things being written about the kid, I think Arsenal fans as a whole (i know i certainly feel this way) just don’t care anymore in terms of expectation and hype or for comparison’s to what Rooney was doing at a similar age (and considering that you could only name about 10 superstar 16 year olds still in the game – the absurdity of judging him on this). He will be our first choice rm next season. He is starting to scare the shit out of full backs, his crossing is greatly improved as has his link-up play (although both still need work) and he is starting to get regular assists and goals.

    If he was to replicate his form and confidence from the end of the last campaign to this season, I think he may get 10g/10as, which will be a very good return if you think about how little we have got from the wings in previous years. But do I care about how he is compared to Cesc or Wilshere? Well, how was RVP at 19? And Wilshere still hasen’t played a professional game, he could be thrown on in an injury crisis against Blackburn or Bolton, be kicked apart and lose all his confidence and be set back as many years as Theo. People are claiming him to be a superstar, he’s only played 3 reserve games!

    Anyway, calm down on Theo.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 8:36 am
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    i am very concern about centre back for me gallas is not good enough

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  • July 31, 2008 at 8:45 am
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    Where is Norveldt ???and is he worth a run out at the week-end??
    could be be our ansewer at ch ?

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  • July 31, 2008 at 8:51 am
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    I’d love to see us start with NB/RVP as our starting pair against WBA and CV/EA in the CL. It means we mix the experience and get to see who plays best with whom. But also just because I really wanna see Nik and van Persie together. I think they could kill. Both are similar but it doesn’t matter, they are almost both all rounders. Fast and can run behind defenders, yet both can full back to win the midfield if need be, both got about as much creativity as a person could have, one a free kick specialist the other in the air, both arrogant enough but still work for the team and up to play killer assists etc. I think they could compliment each other extremely well.

    And for the same reasons Ade/Eduardo was starting to pay major dividends after RVP died, I think Ade/CV could. But as our CC/FA/easy game pairing because Vela is new and Ade needs to learn how to keep his mouth shut.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 9:18 am
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    I keep watching the highlights again and again!! I can’t get enough of Clichy’s surging run on the left then nutmegging the defender, then outmuscling him, even when a second defender arrives he holds on to the ball, both defenders expecting a back pass from clichy but with a great dummy he fools them both. (sending them into the woods as we say here in holland :P) Crossing it neatly to the other side, and than wilshire arrives controlling on the chest waiting for it to bounce exactly as much as he wanted it too and blasting it hard and low past Lehmann. Absolutely amazing!!!

    Oh and Vela was Man of the Match for me… great run, great control, great shot with his weaker right foot. He showed great vision and technique setting up bendtner with that neat chip.

    When King Kolo and Fab4 are back we are unstoppable, I am not even thinking about the final signing anymore I don’t care these lads can do it too!! We might as well let Le Coq play alongside Fab4…

    Yeah I’m over the moon and I don’t want to be realistic so I don’t want any comments that I am overreacting :P let me be!

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  • July 31, 2008 at 9:39 am
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    Moush, what’s ye opinion on Bischoff?

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  • July 31, 2008 at 10:08 am
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    Why is this blog being recked by ignorant kids? Too many unconstructive and poor views based on little evidence.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 10:20 am
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    I don’t know samuel! I read that Wenger said he needs 3 months to get back his full fitness, so nothing to expect from him any time soon… But he also said he was brought in for his talents. I don’t like signings like this because he is put straight in the first team and it could disturb some of the youngsters. Knowing some 21 year old in their same position is put in the first team ahead of them and knowing that Wenger believes in his talent can get some of the youngsters unsettled I think. I reckon he’s not going to be more than a back up player for us. I think he would have the same role as Hoyte never expecting to be in the first eleven but also not moaning about it.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 10:25 am
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    Alright people! Heard a massive rumour today from high up that arsenal are very keen on bringing veloso the sporting lisbon dude to the emirates! Its a very reliable source! And if this is the case then i will be over the moon as he can play centre back and centre mid!

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  • July 31, 2008 at 10:34 am
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    Nick I’d rather have some one older like Toulalan or Ledesma but if we can sell him for double to Milan after 3 or 4 seasons i’d settle for it. Than Le Coq can take over :D

    JS – Have you heard anything about Tawrick Jibril?!!

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  • July 31, 2008 at 10:39 am
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    I like toulalan, is a gd player….if im being honest ive never seen ledesma play….but on champ is normally pretty good so that normally bodes well. Ha. But I think the reason id prefer veloso is coz of his versatility! But watch this space, apparently arsenal have started the ball rolling.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 11:53 am
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    i think except for adebayor, the other 5 stikers(RVP, vela, bendtner, eduardo and walcott) can combine well and form good understanding with each other. but adebayor can only perform when partner with RVP and eduardo. he seems arrogant enough to work on equal terms with younger people. maybe wenger should keep him for another season then sell him. next season the other 5 strikers good enough to share 60 goals among them.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 12:37 pm
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    Great stuff.

    BTW it was Clichy who crossed to Wilshere

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  • July 31, 2008 at 3:43 pm
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    Ade looked really rusty yesterday, but still some promise. If he decides he wants to stay and play he remains our most lethal weapon up front. At his best Adebayor is simply unplayable. Defenders shit bricks when they see him approaching. Having said that, I’m excited by the promise of the other strikers and the possible combinations.

    John – See my message above. Fabianski wasn’t covering Djourou coz he was already off the field, replaced by J Hoyte.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 4:15 pm
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    did anyone read paul merson’s comments about arsenal on sky sports news???
    as he alwayz does, everything he said about arsenal was negatie and how would struggle this season.

    i have lost all respect for him because he does this alll the time.

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  • July 31, 2008 at 6:03 pm
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    We looked very comfortable in possession but I think we need a defensive midfielder who can help the back four when we’re not in possession because Denilson or Eboue didn’t stand out very much defensively when not in possession.

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  • August 1, 2008 at 2:10 am
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    I Think the main reason why Wilshire is being overhyped is because he’s been a very underated young english player in comparison to Walcott and wilshire is actually making strides to deserve a spot on the bench. To be fair, Theo looks lost at times, he’s been given too much time to raise his game, even foreign players like Vela who has never played with any arsenal players is looking way sharper and more familiar with wengers style of play. I really hope he steps it up, I would hate to see other talents missing out on playing because of a player who has been extremely overated and is inconsistent in many games.

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