As Young Guns exclusively revealed yesterday, Theo Walcott is back on the come back trial. He was included among a strong Reserves XI who took on an Olympiacos XI in a behind closed doors friendly at London Colney this afternoon.
The England winger had trained this morning with the first-team squad who were putting together their final preparations ahead of tonights Champions League Group H fixture against the same opponents. However, just a half an hour later, he got his first taste of action this season as Neil Banfield’s boys thumped their Greek opponents to win by three goals to one.
Strikes from Gilles Sunu, Emmanuel Frimpong and Rhys Murphy were enough to give the Gunners a 1-0 lead in the first part of the battle. Arsene Wenger’s men will see if they can make it two wins in one day against Olympiacos in the 7.45 kick off.
Banfield named a strong lineup which included the returning Luke Ayling to partner captain Kyle Bartley at centre half. Walcott played on the right hand side of a 4-3-3 along with Carling Cup hopefuls Gilles Sunu and Nacer Barazite. James Shea started between the sticks.
Shea
Gilbert – Ayling – Bartley – Traore
Randall – Coquelin – Wilshere
Walcott – Sunu – Barazite
Subs: Evina – Frimpong – Eastmond – Murphy
Theo played just over an hour and turned in a solid performance. He still looked a little rusty but his blistering pace was evident as Arsenal crushed their visitors with three superb goals.
Giannis Gkavasiadis and Mark Randall both exchanged early long range chances before Theo’s clever ball between defenders sent the rampaging Gilles Sunu away, one-on-one with the ‘keeper. The finish was emphatic. It could have been more but the half time whistle halted any further goals.
The impressive Gkavasiadis found a way past Shea just before the hour mark, making it game on. Walcott was subbed off after an exciting display and 10 minutes later his replacement Emmanuel Frimpong had scored. His run through middle saw him fouled and a penalty awarded. The midfielder made no mistakes with a pin-point finish from 12 yards.
Barazite’s corner found Murphy in the closing stages and the powerful poacher flicked home number three to seal the win. It wasn’t important, but the return of Arsenal’s number 14 made it a satisfying afternoons work.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Nice to hear.
I am sure everyone will ask but… How did Theo get on!
o rite soz, just seen it says more to follow, am sure it will say then….
Yep, we’re just putting the news out early for anybody who wants to know the score. We’ll update ASAP with that sort of news.
So any idea how Theo played?
prob just finished thanks jay for score and goal updates looking forward to reading more your always so quick with these things you’ll probably have another merida article as well give me some good reading tonight.
I see Wilshire played. I was really hoping to see him on the bench tonight.
I hear good things about Murphy but not seen much of him myself.
How highly do you rate him?
Strikes from Gilles Sunu, Emmanuel Frimpong and Rhys Murphy were enough to give the Gunners a 1-0 lead – eh?
Just updated it :)
ye i am very surprised Wilshere played and slightly surprised Traore played. Looks like Watt will be our backup striker instead of Super Nic tonight :)
corny, read it through..
I didn’t see the match, but based on the Carling Cup, I don’t like the idea of Wilshere in the midfield 3. He plays so far up the pitch, our 4-3-3, turns into more of a 4-2-3-1, thereby shackling both of the other 2 CMs into holding roles. Jack was brilliant in that match, but I think he’s much more suited to playing on the wings at this point.
Hey J some one answer an interesting question that I also had. since Sanchez Watt was not involved today, has he been promoted for tonight game or is he out with injury?
Olympiakos brought over 22 players from Greece? Blimey.. That’s unusal. I wonder if we requested it or them.
From what I knew in the week he wasn’t going to play, but Bendtner’s injury might have opened a place for him. However, Eduardo’s back and Vela is now fit so I’ll stick my neck out and say he won’t be involved.
Jimmy, I think we requested this game because I remember reading last week that Wenger wanted to organise a game to give Theo match practice, this might have been it.
Thanks for the report J.
AmeriGoon? I must say your so wrong about Jack. In the middle has so much more opportunity to impress. If I had to compare him to anyone it would be Iniesta. So quick over the first yard, skips pass players, great eye for a pass and draws in defenders.
He should 100% learn his trade out wide, but he will play in the middle for sure in the future.
thanks for the update!
good point ben jones I love Wilshere in the middle, he is an expert at keeping the ball and skipping past players. Definitely his long term position
Eh? NSWTM?
Did you actually watch the match yourself?
Seriously Moderation?
I think you missed the point I was making. I wasn’t saying he was poor in the CC or that he wouldn’t be best as an AMC, but that’s not the system we’re running. Cesc doesn’t play that far up the pitch and, therefore, the other 2 CMs are involved when we’re in possession. He might be best as an AMC, probably is, but there isn’t one in our system. We run a 4-3-3, not a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-1-1 or some other formation with an out-and-out AMC. Arshavin, Nasri, and Rosicky all are probably better suited for playing as AMC’s, but play on the wing because that’s our system.
Great to know that Walcott was doing well, hope he becomes fitter and better.
AmeriGoon, Nasri played a few times in the middle last season, with Fabregas and Song, and it was very good. I’m pretty sure Wenger plays Wilshere here on purpose. Wenger loves Barca, and I wouldnt be surprised if he played a midfield 3 with one DM and two creative players. + Wilshere likes to drop deep
AmeriGoon, Nasri played a few times in the middle last season, with Fabregas and Song, and it was very good. I’m pretty sure Wenger plays Wilshere here on purpose. Wenger loves Barca, and I wouldnt be surprised if he played a midfield 3 with one DM and two creative players. + Wilshere likes to drop deep
Sorry, forgot to add great post! Can’t wait to see your next post!
A good win.