After disposing of Sheffield United in round three, Arsenal’s young Gunners returned to action this evening looking to book themselves a place in the 5th with a victory over an in form Wigan side.
Once more Arsene Wenger kept faith with the kids, and made just one change from the first leg. Nicklas Bendtner, who bagged a brace last time out, has been on first team duty, so Jay Simpson was handed a start alongside hat-trick hero Carlos Vela.
Amaury Bischoff and Rui Fonte made the bench for the first time in their Arsenal careers, Henri Lansbury as also included for the tasty encounter at a packed Emirates.
Fabianski (c)
Hoyte – Song – Djourou – Gibbs
Wilshere – Randall – Ramsey – Merida
Simpson – Vela
Subs – Mannone – Ogogo – Frimpong – Coquelin – Lansbury – Bischoff – Fonte
Arsenal began nervously against a physical Wigan, who showed they were willing to follow Sheffield United’s example by flexing their power against the youngsters.
However, they had not banked on the Gunners snapping back. Wilshere’s clip on the heels of Palacios brought a stern talking to in the opening stages. Eventually the familiar flow was found, but with two
solid banks of four, the inventive Randall and Wilshere struggled to find gaps.
Wigan would be stirred, and come back fighting. Koumas’ cross field ball exposed Gibbs, De Ridder profited, forcing Song to bullet the cross over his own bar. Fabianski’s flap at the delivery would have unsettled
the inexperienced back four, although his brave save from Zaki quickly restored confidence.
On 12 minutes Arsenal would have Wigan rocking. A defence splitting ball from Merida sent Vela through 1-1, he tried to clever up against Kirkland, and saw the ball poked away with flying hand. The re-bound
was picked up again by Vela, his pass to Ramsey saw the Welshman’s shot blocked, before Wilshere poked Simpson in. The former Reserves skipper showed good ball possession, he then unleashed a powerful drive which smashed off the bar.
If that wasn’t close enough, Merida and Gibbs took out Boyce, Kieran strode into the box with pace, but with Simpson waiting for the square pass, he teed up a curling left foot effort which had Kirkland scrambling, and Simpson furious.
Up the other end De Ridder worked Fabianski with a firm drive, the crowd were certainly getting their money’s worth.
Back came the visitors once more, with Djourou needing to throw his body in the way to stop De Ridder’s cross. The move came after a lazy pass from Randall, a real wake up call for the usually reliable pass-master.
Wilshere would then have the fans on their feet after jinking run beyond four Wigan players in a tight area, his release ball to Vela won a dangerous looking free-kick. Ramsey stepped up, and from all of 35 yards had Kirkland scrambling to palm it away.
The only answer The Latics had to Arsenal’s slick movement and passing was fouling, yet even that was letting them down as the referee gave advantage after a trip on Merida, Ramsey took over, and Simpson had
his drive blocked.
Jay turned provider for the next chance, this time Vela with a 20-yard curler to win his side a corner. The barrage of shots had taken it’s toll on Kirkland, after just 25 minutes he was complaining of injuries to both knee and shoulder.
Fabianski was again called on after Koumas volleyed Song’s missed placed header from the left side of the box, but the Polish stopper appeared more than comfortable with the drive. Comfortable he wasn’t when De Ridder put Zaki through, however another brave save ended the danger.
Valencia won a corner of Gibbs, and despite Merida’s clearance, another was given when Lukasz handled Boyce’s return. Simpson worked hard to latch onto a danger ending ball from Ramsey, but he quickly found he had nowhere to go with the committed Titus Bramble keeping close.
The nature of the coaches in the technical area showed the way the game was going. Arsene Wenger appeared relaxed and confident when shown talking to Pat Rice, whilst in contrast Steve Bruce was dishing out instructions to his frustrated outfit.
Gibbs was becoming quite exposed as the half went on, shown again when Boyce and De Ridder doubled up and provided a deep cross for Zaki, the loanee couldn’t keep it down.
Simpson took the kicks to win a corner, Wilshere’s delivery demanded a volley from the unmarked Djourou, but he looked stunned when presented the chance to hand his team the lead.
The wave of pressure seemed to be stemmed as the break approached, but the inventive Wilshere whipped a cross field ball for Gibbs, who proceeded to burst past three Wigan players to win a corner. Merida earned
a second in quick succession with a right footed shot from inside the box, as the hosts pushed hard.
De Ridder had a rare shot which Fabianski saved, and that was the final straw. Wigan had been given all the chances they were going to get to go in front and had not taken them. The Gunners punished it. Wilshere’s intelligent ball through the middle was meant for Vela, Simpson gambled and took it himself, and as Kirkland advanced, Jay slipped it under him to send the Emirates into chaos.
Goal – Jay Simpson – (42)
Half Time – Arsenal 1-0 Wigan
Arsenal showed a more mature approach as the second period began, keeping possession among themselves and waiting for Wigan’s response.
The more relaxed attitude was nearly undoing the hard work, as Djourou could have given away a penalty with a clumsy hand ball, Zaki nearly punished it with a low shot moments later. Merida hit back with adragged drive, but there was little to separate the two on the basis of the second half.
Wenger’s side would then start to grow into the game, and could have had the second with an hour left. Wilshere’s dipping shoulder brought space to feed Merida, a thunderbolt from the Spanish play-maker had Kirkland scrambling.
With all the flair and creative talent in a red shirt, it was easy to forgot the role that Randall was playing. He was getting stuck in with firm sliding tackles and matching Palacios with two shoulder challenges, although his passing was suffering.
The second goal was getting closer and closer. Ramsey’s brilliance drew Wigan’s defence in, a toe poke down the wing sent Gibbs through unmarked, his left footed belter was straight at Kirkland.
Wilshere had now come inside to get more space to create mayhem, meaning he was susceptible to fouls via Palacios – which arrived within seconds of his switch to a new role.
Eventually, number two. Fabianski’s punch found Ramsey on the edge of the box. His long ball sent Vela away down the left, after Melchiot gave up, Vela was free, a simple cross picked out Simpson unmarked, he side footed into the empty net to make it 2-0 and seal the victory.
Goal – Jay Simpson (66)
Wigan were rocking, and just four minutes later it was 3-0.
Djourou stepped out from the back, his slide pass between the centre backs found Carlos Vela, the little Mexican held off Bramble before clipping a shot over the advancing Kirkland from the edge of the area. 3-0 and Vela’s 4th goal in 2 starts.
Goal – Carlos Vela (70)
As the visitors fell apart the Gunners turned on the style, and out came the tricks. Merida, Wilshere, Hoyte and Simpson all combined with a flowing move from defence to midfield, yet nothing productive came of
it. On 75 minutes Wenger rotated his deck.
Jay Simpson > Amaury Bischoff
Jack Wilshere > Henri Lansbury
Lansbury would replace Wilshere on the right hand side, Bischoff would now operate just behind
Vela on his Arsenal debut. The two subs worked a neat move down the wing, Vela just struggled to reach Henri’s square pass.
Vela signalled to the bench that he had a problem, and as a Mexican wave went around the Emirates, Rui Fonte replaced the third goalscorer.
Lansbury broke away yet again, with Bischoff in space calling for it, a lapse cross saw Fonte have a shot blocked. The one way traffic was broken up with an outstanding run from De Ridder, after Fabianski saved the first shot, the rebound was crashed under the bar by Zaki. Wigan believed it had crossed the line, replays showed Fabianski did enough to keep it out.
It finished 3-0, in a terrific win for Arsene Wenger’s Young Guns. They march on into round 5, knowing they are one of the most feared opponents around.
Article By – J.Sanderson
whoa that was fast!!
nice blog, keep it up.
KG,
India.
awesome game!! i thought randall was ace tonight, a bit of an un-sung hero.
vela is just of another class.
great to see the lads enjoying football!
Incredibly quick as usual J, you beat the BBC =)
Great team performance, everyone did really well and the goals we scored were top class. Can’t wait for the next round.
Simpson could have easily had 4 tonight if he had been given those 2 square balls, a great performance! Rambo and Whilshere were superb as well.
OMG what can i say, i’ll try not being too ott. Players that stood out where most of the whole however Randall gave the ball away too much. Simpson has really impressed me tonight with his directness that the first team sometimes lack. Vela was just great ; great pace ; great decison making and a get clinical finsher. Wilshere, Ramsey and Merida all passed the ball around without many mistakes, and provided great balls that meant the front two had many chances.
Lightning Kev: Were we watching the same game?
I thought Randall was rubbish tonight. Misplaced way too many passes and just lost the ball too often.
Vela however gave a great performance. Amazing goal (if only Adebayor had that same first touch) and the assist to Simpson wasn’t bad either. And Wilshere; how can one not love him? I was enjoying everytime he got the ball. And what an assist to 1-0!
Wilshere is our Messi/Hleb. We stood up the physical test of a Premiership.
Fantastic game, average age just 19.. funny enough the age of Arsenal’s two goalscorers.
Sky Sports says this could be the best B team ever :)
Execution of passes is something that Randall/Ramsey/Merida/Wishere will get with more experience of playing at the highest level just look at how much Denilson still misplace his passes but that doesnt mean he doesnt do other things right.
NO ONE IS PERFECT
J: Love the speed, and most of the report, but would a quick once over go a miss? Constructive criticism for a great blog.
The team were phenominal. The Mexican wave said it all but a word for Song keeping Zaki in his pocket and the two full backs looked great.
supergunner07: As of last week, I believe Denilson had the fourth highest pass completetion rate in the Premiership. After the Utd game I’d be surprised if he’s dropped down the list. I think its a case of he’s so instrumental and makes so many passes that when he doesn’t connect or make the right decision, it seems odd and stands out.
Any news on Vela’s “uneasiness” before he was subbed off?
Great win. Wilshere, Vela and Djourou really caught the eye.
Does anybody know where i can download the match video?
j.sanderson, i was watching charlie nicholas on sky after thr match and he was saying how good the youngsters and jeff stelling asked him what youngsters to watch out for.he said the usual candidates such as wilshere,ramsey and co and then he said that there are two or three irish youngsters who werent playing that will make it big in the game.do you have any idea or information on who he might be on about.i would say conor henderson is one
Amazing game, i hope Vela is ok.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/jajzjvmwnjj/CCR4_Arsenal_V_Wigan_Athletic_11.11.08_SSN_match_report_f54.avi
here guys knock yourselves out what a performance
Vela what a lovely goal jeez these young gunnas are on fire
i know its short but theres enough to keep you happy
I have to disagree with comments praising Randell. He is miles behind Ramsey and for me has no future at the club. Lansbury must be sweating too. Gibbs was excellent tonight and gets better with every game. I never thought I’d say this but if we can get some big money offer’s for Traore, i’d let him go. Prices of 7-10m are not unrealistic when you consider Bale’s 11m to Spurs. He will never beat Clichy and isn’t a winger.
After tonight i’d say Simpson may have some sort of future should Bendnter or Ade leaves.
i was at the match!!…i thought our whole defence played well..
wilshere and vela also caught my eye anyway..
im still not convinced by j.simpson tho….even tho he scored 2 goals, i just dont think hes an arsenal type striker
Ramsey’s work-rate, and the long pass out to Vela (which set up the 2nd goal) was outstanding. Wilshere goes without saying, I think the announcer said it best comparing the 16 year old lad to Liam Brady in the replay, clever boy.
Oh and on the third goal by Vela left me gobsmacked. The clever pass from a solid-all-night Djourou let Carlos use his massive pace to skin Titus and make a fool of Kirkland, who was just stuck off his line at the 6 yard box. Magical, and he was right to shake off his left hand after the goal, he’s been on fire during this C.C. run. (oh and the hand gesture he threw up after getting mobbed Merida, That’s V, for Vela!)
Looking at the Arsenal tonight made me confused. Why I hear you say? Yes Confused. This is the same Wigan side I’m very sure the first team may struggle to beat in the PL. I’m totally in shock.
Wilshere was sublime. His ball protection is second to none and he is starting to remind me of a Barcelona star: Lionel Messi.
I was very excited when Wilshere was given a squad number in the first team in the summer. I really want to see him play some minutes in the PL. At times we need to rest Fabregas in the last quarter of second halves of games and I’m confident Wilshere can more than impress in the Fabregas role. He is a kind of player you will struggle to drop from the first team the moment he is given a chance and he grabs it. I’m totally in shock. No really about the result but about the way Vela runs. The counter attacking reminded me of Arsenal in 03 and 04. Totally fantastic
and also…
Fabianski has to be our number one…did u lot see that save??..wow
i juss hope our kids can peform like this away from home
People need to stop criticising Jay Simpson Yesterday no one wanted to see him start he scores 2 goals against a premiership team and people are still chattin crap
Yeah lay off Simpson, he did what every good striker does, score goals when the opportunity arises. This is against a Premiership quality team too. Plus the guy is only 19.
He really exceeded my expected my expectations tonight. IMO it was make or break for him because of the calibur of the opponents, and he came good.
So well done to you Jay!
really superb from young gunners..
i think this squad should play in EPL againts bottom half of the table..and let the 1st squad deal with top half of the table.
just wondering if you wrote this while the game was going or do you have a vid of the entire game?
Simpson is a quality player, still young, and has proven tonight that he may have what it takes.
vela’s goal was from another planet….amazing..
its just fantastic, to beat a nearly full strength prem league team. steve bruce must be really upset, his team got beaten by a bunch of kids.
EG: The thing with Simpson is, it’s not that he’s a bad player, in fact he took his debut with aplomb, it’s just, at arsenal we are starting again to believe in a standard of quality which means you either have the potential to be world class, or sadly you’ll have to move on. Like getting rid of Bentley once upon a time, he has Adebayor, Eduardo, van Persie, Bendtner, Vela and Walcott ahead of him, not to mention some very exciting young strikers coming up from behind him. And just the same as Bentley wasn’t going to make it past Pires, Ljungberg and Reyes, he may have to do with either very limited opportunities or leave.
He is a good player, of that there is no doubt. But he’s not great, and considering he is the same age as Vela, I think 100% of non xenophobic fans would take the Mexican.
Those 2 goals would have pushed his price tag up a bit though.
Fabianski looks like he could benefit from a season on loan to be honest- he’s a great shot stopper and could develop into a quality goalkeeper but he just can’t deal with crosses.
Gibbs and Hoyte did very well considering the gulf in experience between them and the players they were up against.
Song and Djourou were magnificent, a few hairy moments aside. I always rated Djourou and can’t wait to see him in the side. I feel Song will be a great utility man for us.
Randall misplaced a lot of passes, something we’ve seen too often in recent games. He and Merida could go one way or the other I feel, but they have class so I hope/expect they step up. A loan to a PL side would be good for them I reckon.
Wilshere, Vela and Rambo are clearly going to be Arsenal legends, and I don’t say that lightly.
I was massively impressed by Simpson last night. As mentioned, he is not a typical Arsenal striker (since the days of Big Kevin Campbell) but he has a great head on his shoulders and the fact that he didn’t look out of his depth at all against a reasonable Premiership side and comfortably bagged a brace suggests that he could go very far at this club too.
My word, the future is bright!
hey does anybody know how much wenger rates simpson? i think he has become a better player the last few seasons. but does he have what it takes? the potential?
cheers
One would think the CC is rubbish, but I just love getting the chance to watch these young guns in action. I have to say that I feel Simpson should be given a fair chance after scoring 2 against a Premiership side. He isn’t the type of player we usually see at the club but then again, neither was Ade or Nick. He seems to a more direct striker and that could be usefull sometimes. He should be named on the bench this weekend with Vela (if fit) starting with Nick. Vela driften in and out of the game but again made a great impression on me, sort of like Eduardo. Cool finishing and also speedy. His goal was outstanding, under such pressure and the lob was inch perfect!
The entire back four seemed to defend better than the A-team has done for most of the season. I really want to see more of Djourou in the 1st team, despite his handball situation (what was he thinking?!). Gibbs had problems with De Riddder, too many times was he able to get to a cross (although he never really crossed good) but I felt most Arsenal defenders had problems with him. Wigan’s best player without doubt. Ramsey, Wilshere looked outstanding. Merida never really got into the game I feel and Randall misplaced too many passes. But also he delivered some excellent passes as well and isn’t afraid to go into any challenge. Everyone of these kids could make it at Arsenal, but all will not obviously. Will be very interesting to see how they develope after this season. Some of them (Randall for example) could benefit a loan deal to another, I would prefer, Premiership club.
Without repeating the obvious highlights, I really enjoyed watching Simpson tonight. One of his greatest assets is his strength and he gave Wigan fits. If he keeps playing like he did tonight, he’ll force selection. He looked more competent than Bendtner has recently. He was unlucky not to hit 4. One off the bar, and another glancing header that would have been freakish. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a talented striker that offers something different to the others.
I don’t think you guys realize just how unfair you are being to Randall and Gibbs. I think that the pair of them actually showed great potential last night.
Gibbs isn’t even a natural left back and he’s getting used to a new position. He normally plays in the middle or on the left wing. He’s been playing as a left back for less than a year! On top of that he was up against De Ridder last night who was easily Wigan’s best player. And to top it all off the kid actually got better as the night went on. He made some brilliant tackles near the end. It astounds me as to how pessimistic some of of you guys can be.
I remember Clichy when he first came to arsenal. He had a horrid time at left back. Everyone was saying that he would never make it and that we needed a more reliable cover for Cashly. Well look how that turned out. I’m not saying that he’s going to be the next Clichy, but give the kid a chance. He’s got bags of potential, a good head on he’s shoulders and he’s willing to work his socks off.
Now as for those people who were having a go at Randall; yes I think we were watching different games! I saw a player who supported the rest of the midfield, by plugging up holes, picking up loose balls, always offering passing options to his team mates with his positioning; OH MY GOD HIS POSITIONING!! Did nobody see how mature his positioning was last night?! He was always in a position to either relieve tension from his team mates or to close down the opposition. And the icing on the cake was the fact that he completely held his own against Palacios (correct me if my spelling is off there). This was the player that was supposedly going to ManU, the same player that everyone was saying we should have bought instead of recommending to Bruce. Remind me but did Palacios actually legitimately win a single physical battle with Randall?
Now I know that some of his passes were a little wayward, but come on! This was in a midfield of consisting of Merida, Ramsey and Wilshere, where any kind of mistake is going to stand out like a sore thumb! And some of his passes weren’t actually bad, they just didn’t have anyone running on to them. That sort of stuff gets ironed out as a team plays more and gets to gel. My final word on his passing is this; how many more misplaced passes did Randall commit last night than Fabregas against Tottenham? Just something to keep in mind about the level of criticism being directed at the kid.
Personally I have really high hopes for Randall. He’s (normally) a very accomplished passer, he’s positioning is brilliant, he has an eye for a goal, and he works tirelessly. Now compare all of those attributes with a 19 year old Lampard. Is he really that far away?
Now I’m not saying that these two players are definitely going to make it and become greats in the game, I’d just rather be a bit more optimistic about their future and support them in their development. I hope more of you will do the same.
Errr…. sorry, I didn’t realize how long I’d been going on for there! Oopps.
What a great performance the attitude and application of the youngstars was fantastic as was the work-rate.I think a lot of theese young player will have a massive career ahead with the exception of Randall , I think he is completley out of his depth and had no chance of making it at Arsenal.Also I have seen Fran Merida play on over 10 occassions and i think he is over-rated big time i actually think its hanging in the balanace as to wether he will make it at Arsenal.Anybody agree with me bout Merida???
Great post Serks
Yeah good post Serks. They were all good last night, all this Randall bashing, its like some people want to see him fail, I know hes got a shite haircut, but what can you do.
who thinks merida will make it at arsenal???
i like him, but i dont see him as a left winger
Serks well said, he has been told by Steve Bould to model himself on Michael Carrick so that he can be our deep-lying playmaker hence thats the reason why he is playing DM instead the attacking midfeld that he used to play for the academy & reserves.
check this article – http://www.arsenal.com/news/reserves-news/young-guns-mark-randall
if you can’t support your team what sort of fans are you.. Randall out gibbs out wenger out lol
ARSENAL FC is infected with glorey hunters .blow ins out
for true fans http://www.arsenal-land.co.uk/
We’ve been found out! Eurosport have posted an article on our scouting network…http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/12112008/58/premier-league-meet-arsenal-s-real-dream-team.html
it’s not that Randell is a bad player, it’s just Ramsey is better and I’d like to see Merdia in the middle. It’s clear Fran isn’t happy on that left hand side.
Alright, I found the site again…
Just a suggestion, Player Ratings perhaps?, would be better for us who missed the game to see how the players other than the ones on the score sheets did.
Bob, Randall’s competition now is at defensive midfield [Song & Denilson] not central midfielders [Cesc, Ramsey, Merida, etc]. Also watching Merida closely recently, the reason why he has been stuck out wide is because (1)majority of the time he doesnt track runners or reacts to late when his marker makes their move (2)not as strong as the other rivals in CM (3) He doesnt have as good a stamina(performance drops towards end of games)
HOWEVER his attacking skills is exceptional & actually he is a better comparison for Liam Brady than Wilshere
I think Randall could improve his passing because he makes misplaced passes every game but that can be improved and as said Fabregas’ passing in recent games has been very off key. I thought Gibbs got caught out a lot because of his positioning, I accept that it’s because he’s usually a centre midfielder but surely the club shouldn’t just throw Gibbs in at left back suddenly when he’s played as an attacker all his life, we just end up with someone who can’t defend very well (Clichy sometimes has similar problems).
Fabianski’s the opposite of Almunia, he comes out with almost every cross. He made that great double save but really the most important thing for a keeper is consistency and decision making which I don’t think Fabianski has yet so he shouldn’t be thrown into the team as some people are suggesting because Fabianski made a lot of mistakes in the first half last night.
I was personally more imperessed with Song than I was with Djourou (especially cos of that mad moment Djourou had). Djourou has a slightly heavy touch when he brings the ball out of defence which worries me because someone might go flying in and injure him or we might lose possession, although a very good performance overall from both centre backs. I thought Hoyte had a better game than Gibbs defensively and my man of the match would probably have been either Simpson or Wilshere. Vela needs to improve his right foot but that was some finish.
One final note, we really should clear the ball when it’s inside the box and we’re under pressure, yes Arsenal are about passing and moving but when you’re inside your own penalty area the priority should be to defend and after that the chance for a counter.
Overall a great night:)
I don’t think people are calling for Randall’s head its just: you’ll have to be better than just good (or maybe even v. good) to make it out of the reserves from now on. It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to some potential greats (see also traore v. pedro v. gibbs) but ramsey, song, denilson, diaby, cesc, (bisch?) are all ahead of Randall at CM, with Coquelin, Merida and Lansbury biting at his heels. It’s also very similar with Simpson, he may look good and do well, but ultimately Vela, Theo and Bendtner all have the attributes of future Henrys and Ibrahamovichs, where as Simpson looks like another Ablongahor.
If only we had such stern competetion for every place in the reserves waiting to fight for the first team. I can’t wait to see that Bould magic sprinkled in future defences, for example.
Mr Sanderson U Need to update ur goal scorers chart now
Serks I like ur post on the crticism poured out on Randall. I felt he was very good overall. I was very impressed with Wilshere n Simpson. Always knew Vela was a clinical finisher so his goal wasnt too much of a suprise for me. I was very glad that the first team were watching the game and will know that they have to wake up. Overall the boys were outstanding nd the future is bright at Arsenal.
Is it possible to organize a friendly btw our Team A and B?
Amazing talents. Gibbs as well been waiting to get a chance to see him. What is the stand on his ability from those who have followed him for a while? Especially thinking about what seems to me to be insecurity to use the right foot or less ability. He did seem to me to make less rational choices as preference of using left foot in crosses and shots
Gavin Hoyte impresses me greatly – I’ll say this now I think he will be a better player than his older brother and possibly a future England right-back/central defender in about 6 years time. If he doesn’t make it at Arsenal because of Sagna then he will have a great premiership career with someone else.
I like Randall for his tenacious qualities. The thing about teenagers is that some become great players later on in their early twenties – Randall could really benefit from going on loan next season to a prem club. He could be like Lampard or Flamini and really become a great player when he is 21/22.
Keiran is a quality player & have met him personally he’s got his feet on the ground and he’s highly dedicated, really wants to make it here at Arsenal. His loan move to norwich last season speaks volumes for him, going there as a lightweight LM 18 year old & he went on to hold down a regular place in the centre of midfield in arguably one of the most physical of leagues & in a half decent side at that. Roeder was really keen on taking him on permanently! The only thing that let him down the other night was his positioning and even that got better as the game went on, managed to contain wigans best player on the night and done pretty well overall considering his 8/9 month old left back status!
Coquelin is better than Randell. End of story.
CJ I completely agree about Randall and his potential. As for Hoyte I actually think that there’s a lot more to come from that kid. He’s quite capable defensively (what with being a CB and all) but at the same tine has immense pace as well. It can be a deadly combo if he can hone and develop those attacking instincts that modern side backs need (especially ones playing for AFC). Definitely watch this space with the youngster.
Bob, Coquelin is a fantastic talent and you won’t get any arguments from me on that one. But the simple fact is that Randall offers us a different kind of option in the middle of the park that nobody in the current squad does (first team, reserves, and the under 18s). Ultimately that’s the biggest reason why I think he’s got a good shot at making it. He offers us the opportunity to be more versatile as a squad (at least I hope that he will). I believe Coquelin will almost definitely make it. He may even jump ahead of Randall in the number of games he plays. But I don’t think it will take anything away from what Randall can offer to the team. Think of Park at United. Yes Ronaldo is better. But what a brilliant squad player to have? Comes in when he’s required to, and consistently performs and offers different options and possibilities to their game. Players like that are almost harder to find than the world class ones!
Gavin Hoyte has big potential as a centre back. Yes I agree he’s useful at right back but in the middle is where he is natural and I really hope Wenger recognises this because I really see a big future for him.
Ogogo has moved to Barnet on loan.
Folks some of these kids are actually underratted. RANDALL was not flashy and yes he misplaced some passes. But that is missing the forest for the treees! What was shocking was his positioning and his TOTAL understanding of what his job was RELATIVE to the rest of the midfield. Even Denilson hasnt figured this out yet. RANDALL great positions, tackled well and HELPED well. No glamour – just really important donkey work, done well. Fantastic performance for a kid just learning DM – and facing a very physical premeirship team. A premiership player. Only question is whether he does it here or with another club. Simple as that.
GIBBS is even more of a banker. Learning left back andalready as good a defender as Traore, while but more phsyical. Yes, he made some errors, but he will learn – he is just too intelligent and hardworking not to learn it. Gibbs also will give us the option of playing as a more direct left midfielder, like Overmars & Pires (pre-ACL) were able to– and Nasri/Rosicky/ Diaby cant. They cant put pressure wide and turn the corner. That opens up the centre, much like Overmars was able to do for us, yet Gibbs is more robust defensively, like Parlour.
TRAORE , I stil l like better as a left midfielder/winger. He is not cut out to be a defender. Never will be. But he too can get down the line and put over a fantastic cross in the air or cut back.
MERIDA is more of a career question mark than Randall. He has the talent but needs to look at how Nasri and Rosicky have adapated their playmakers skills into a team concept. That’s all he needs to do.
Jay your slowing up :) whats the latest on Barnet have signed Arsenal defender Abu Ogogo on loan. ? how long is gone for and what do you think of him anyway.
he’s gone for about a month, and he’s crap
lurtzz he is very good not crap he played more than anyone else for reserves last year and is a very steady defender who gets forward well too with great pace. Also will wenger now see that ade ed robin vela theo simpson are all better than bendtner and he isn’t arsenal class
Bendtner is very intelligent mate.
Someone mentioned that Simpson isn’t a typical Arsenal striker bt IMO that doesn’t need to be bad thing, I think he’s power and pace ads an extra dimension.
Osam nice comment on Randall. His positioning n tackling in my opininon is better than denilson.
When ever wenger keeps faith with a player he does that for a reason. Bendtner is good and am sure in no time he will clear Arsenal fans doubt.
Bentdner at his best can link up brilliantly with Vela, and also score…but against Wigan he was selfish and just made a fool out of himself (especially when Fabregas was unmarked behind him)
He is only 20 but needs to regroup, focus and admit he’s no match for Adebayor right now and ..get a new haircut ffs!
new arsenal blog
footballclubarsenal.blogspot.com