Wenger Engineering Steady Rise For Sanchez Watt

In and amongst the drama last night, many Arsenal fans might have failed to notice an unused, little heard of young gun on the substitute bench. With Mannone drawing a lot of attention on his Champions League debut, and with much inexperience on the bench, Sanchez Watt proved to be the most surprising inclusion in the 18-man squad.

The eighteen year old forward doesn’t have the reputation of Wilshere or Lansbury, hasn’t commanded a transfer fee comparable to Ramsey or even Sunu, he hasn’t even announced himself internationally in the fashion of Afobe or Freeman. But Sanchez Watt has many fans. Over the last year or so, he’s missed large parts of consecutive seasons through injury, but still has managed to impress fans, coaches and, most importantly, Arsene Wenger.

Indeed, Mr Wenger seems to have a very personal interest in Sanchez’s development. From bringing him into his Emirates Cup team, to requesting for his removal at half time in order to have him available for last night’s fixture, the manager seems to be engineering a Wilshere-esque ascendency for this youngster.

So, why Sanchez Watt?

Well, apart from a crippling lack of other options, Sanchez is especially quick, which is an attribute Arsenal’s other fit strikers lack. He is also direct and not afraid to take on his marker. His versatility must also be attractive to a man who’s had particular success with strikers who have started on the wing. He also seems to be particularly calm under pressure, either when finishing or being challenged.

In general, it is obvious that Wenger sees some genuine quality in Sanchez and he seems a certainty for the Carling Cup next week.

Article By Gianni Sonvinco

101 thoughts on “Wenger Engineering Steady Rise For Sanchez Watt

  • September 17, 2009 at 5:04 pm
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    What do you mean by other options? good article

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:08 pm
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    I think Gianni is referring to the likes of Walcott, Arshavin, Nasri, van Persie etc being missing

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:16 pm
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    I like Watt. Does anyone know how tall he is though? He’s got that kind of rangy style and work rate that suits the focal point of a front three.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:18 pm
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    Anyone else think it’s curious that Almunia has been ruled out of the premiership game at the weekend with a couple of days still to clear his chest infection…. Mannone must be over the moon with this chance.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:20 pm
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    in my opinion (no need to get have a fit) i dont see where the potential or talent is, think hes a hype job.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:21 pm
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    i’d love to see this team at the Carling cup

    Mannone

    Hoyte Silvestre Senderos Gibbs

    Wilshere Ramsey Merida Traore

    Watt Walcott (If not fit Simpson)

    Bench: Szszceny, Bartley, Ayling, Randall, Frimpong/Coquelin, Barazite, Sunu

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:24 pm
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    gr8 news for herchel ;) It’d be gr8 if u guys could interview the youth players.It would be a interesting read.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:24 pm
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    This guy is better than simpson for sure. he have everything except experiance and physics. I hope to see Watt and murphy upfront or watt in the wing and sunu upfront. I like all 3 but I guess only 1 will get the chance to play as a striker and either sunu or watt in wing. But now when I think about it. maybe sunu and watt as wingers and murphy as a lone striker? It will be very interresting to see CC as always and I believe they will beat albion quite easy.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:25 pm
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    I was, indeed, referring to our current injury plight.

    And Watt isn’t big, 177cm, so about 5’8. I’d think he’s more suited to starting on the left of a three man attack, rather than as a focal point.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:27 pm
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    Watt has composure in key moments which means he can score and create goals. He’ll need to develop either physically to be a striker or technically to be something else, but not many are born with the ability to clinically score and create goals. Good for Wenger for giving him a shot.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:37 pm
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    Good work btw, Gianni.

    I think Sanchez has improved leaps since last year. He seems really professional now and that added to his obvious talent marks him out as one for the future IMO.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:39 pm
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    Sanchez watt is 6ft 1

    But i dont see what the hype is all bout with sanchez watt and jay thomas.

    Watt closes down, great work rate, good finisher but he doesnt really go past players, doesnt have vision. He reminds me of Darren Bent.

    Jay thomas is another player who is overhyped just cause he has skills and tricks doesnt mean hes going to be playing for our first team. Look at quincy abeyie has all the tricks in the world but doesnt have the mentality

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:41 pm
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    Henri Lansbury, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Rhys Murphy those are the four players who on form would break into our first team.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:43 pm
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    John he’s not that big. He’s very similar size to Arshavin.. maybe 180cm at the most.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:45 pm
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    Sanchez watt i swear hes 6ft. I saw him at the emirates cup he looks quite big.

    Arshavin is 5ft6 wilshere is 5ft7 aaron ramsey is 6ft and watt is taller than ramsey

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  • September 17, 2009 at 5:58 pm
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    A QPR friend of mine is saying that Simpson is not impressing.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:02 pm
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    For the last time, John, about Jay Thomas, just look at his stats, he was arsenal u18 best scorer last year. He scored plenty of very importants goals in the FA Youth Cup, which shows he is mentally strong. And yes he is skillfull, but that’s a good thing for me.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:08 pm
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    Talent is one thing, taking your chances something else. How many talented players haven’t seen the last ten years? Watt is lucky to play in a position with low competition at the moment. That might be all he needs, as the confidence is already there.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:10 pm
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    Henri lanbsury been very effective/ good for Watford compared to jay thomas at blackpool whos blackpool fans say too slow and gives it away too much.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:11 pm
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    J.S, Arshavin is 172 cm, one of the shorter players of the PL (with SWP and Lennon)

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:13 pm
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    I think the real JS has been on holiday and hes got some worker working in his name.

    JS Sanderson the real one knows what hes talking about

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:14 pm
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    It’s ridiculous to compare two completely different types of players in two different clubs..

    But if you really want to compare, Lansbury didn’t give any assists nor score any goals, compared to one assist and one goal for Jay.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:21 pm
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    Lansbury led indirectly to 3 assists from set pieces.

    Lansbury got more pace, more inteligent, better passer, can score from anywhere steven gerrard like and can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and drive a team on.

    jay thomas has got the skills, tricks, very stylish but i cant see him grinding out, digging out performances which u need on the premiership

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:23 pm
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    can i ask u lot…which youngsters will seriously have a chance of breaking into the first team? As far as i know and i’m a big arsenal fan wilshere n merida n gibbs definately afobe randall aneke lansbury frimpong have a high chance. but how about freeman barazite who seems 2 have been just chucked backed to the reserves. Bartley watt and jay thomas may do well but could they one day be regulars

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:23 pm
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    players who wont make it, watt, murphy, jet, simpson, randall, frimpong, trust me im physic.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:27 pm
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    Sanchez watt does have talent i use to like him when he was younmger he was very good tricky winger but now hes more of a team player and he looks different

    Rhys Murphy and Henri lansbury on form are probably the best English prospects in the country. They are superb players and match winners.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:45 pm
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    lol, I really like Murphy and Lansbury, but I don’t think they are the best english prospects. Wilshere is the best english prospect by far, then I like Bostock and Rodwell (who hopefully will be played as a centre back

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  • September 17, 2009 at 6:45 pm
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    With murphy there are mixed opinions some believe his good enough some dont think he wont make it. I really thought frimpong would definately break through the first team one day

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:02 pm
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    khanyi, frimpong is a beast but hes trying to get ahead of coquelin who owns the beast.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:04 pm
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    This John guy just makes me laugh. If you are a true Gooner John you would want every Academy graduate to make it at the club.
    Before you keep spouting off about your favourites ie Yennaris, Ayling, Cruise and Lansbury remember that these are kids who have done nothing absolutely nothing apart from being very promising. Remember this Watt & Thomas are 18 and doing really well. Jay Thomas has gone to a Championship level and is experiencing his 1st taste of Pro football and the harsh realities it brings plus he is away from for the 1st time. As for his style of football that’s how he’s played since he was a kid and I have seen him and Sanchez, Lansbury, Cruise and others play since they were in Hale End. I have my contacts there too. If Sanchez does make it excellent congratulate the kid don’t criticise him

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:09 pm
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    John – You really have no clue what you are talking about. Just becouse lansbury seems better at this age doesn’t mean JET wont make it. JET is not the same type of player as lansbury is and therefore have different role and play in a different position! JET has only been in championship and a new team with new players for ONE month!!! Do you relise that? Do you relise that you are judgeing a 18 year old who have never played in championship and in a different team with different type of football? I don’t think you do!! You have already made up your mind whos gonna make it and whos don’t. You can’t see why watt will make it and don’t understand why he is playing ahead of murphy. Have you ever thought about maybe those things you say he dosen’t have is not necessary at this age? He is 18 year old also and will probably develop to a class player. He just came up from u18 and you think he will be a complete player by now? This will be my last reply to you becouse argue with you is worth nothing, becouse you have already made up your mind. And you always seems to pick white players ahead of blacks. Just becouse those blackpool fans don’t think JET is good enough doesn’t mean he is. As i say… JET is a NEW player in a NEW leauge playing different type of football with a NEW team and he is still 18!!! He have adopt very well. Give him atleast a few months. Too bad you are soo narrow minded and can’t change your mind. From now on, I will ignore all your post.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:13 pm
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    Why is John always hating on J.E.T he’s a good player that needs time to develop. IMO he was the best player for the u18’s but anyway I agree with JS sanchez does seem to have a better attiude as in trying to make it as a pro.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:27 pm
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    Don’t take much notice of how good players look in the youth cup or reserves and the like, but from what i have seen this boy looks very clsasy, typical Wenger player.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:29 pm
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    JET wasnt the best under 18 player. Luke Ayling was by far the best and most improved player.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:30 pm
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    John – ” And you always seems to pick white players ahead of blacks ”
    funny i thought i was the only one who spotted it. John take your racist views and stick them where the sun never shines until you have some constructive criticsm for both black and white players.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:30 pm
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    What i like about Henri lanbsury is his attitude. He rejected la liga, premiership, championship loan offers to go to League 1 scunthorpe.

    Thats a brilliant attitude just shows he wants to play.

    JS will tell you Henri lansbury is probably the best young british central midfielder on form.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:47 pm
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    In Lansbury first year as a trainee J. Sanderson wrote a number of times John about Lansbury attitude especially after he contacted Glandular fever “the kissing disease” and alluded to his party boy antics.

    No one doubts Lansbury’s abilities John but obviously Wenger doesn’t think he ready yet and I’m inclined to follow Wenger way more than you.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:50 pm
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    The thing with JET is that he is lazy and that kind of player unless he is an exceptional talent like Andrei Arshavin, is one you can’t afford to have. He is a good player but he is one who will be carried a lot. I rate his abilities but football has changed, a great deal and one passenger, is one passenger too many. I think they sent him to the Championship to work on his teamwork and workrate.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 7:58 pm
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    Pretty certain that Collison is the best young British central midfielder on form. And then Ramsey, Rodwell and Cattermole. They are playing at such a higher standard that it’s a moot point John.

    Lansbury is incredibly talented, direct and on course to become something special in the mould of Frank Lampard (a better comparison than Ramsey’s Gerrard imo). E-Thomas is incredibly talented, direct and on course to become something special in the mould of a tall Iniesta. Both rely on the players training the hardest, listening to Wenger and staying humble when learning the trade (hello David Bentley).

    My cousin Jamie is a Newcastle fan who was at the Blackpool game last night. Speaking to him earlier he said that JET was an absolute ‘super’ sub and played havoc with a Newcastle defense that has been pretty steady so far this season. He already has a goal and an assist. Some people on the internet may not like him but you can find people on the internet who think Leo Messi is a no-talent no-hoper.

    So much of player development in these early stages is behind closed doors that I’m not sure we can ever have a truly comprehensive view as fans, as to whether a player will make it or not. Look at possibly the two greatest Arsenal players: Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry weren’t performing on the pitch for their clubs (AC and Juve) but the mentality and the ability was there behind the scenes to show that with the right boss, they could be some of the greatest players in the game. Alternatively, so many young players are judged too early for impressive performances and not the rest of their development (Reyes, Diaby and Baptista spring to mind) is ignored to their detriment.

    J and the fellas bring us up to date with any news on Youth Development and are the leading voices on whether a player may make it or not outside of Wenger or Brady or whoever opening up their mouths. But J and co have always held a party line that they can only delve so far and that their opinion is not set in stone. I think this is a good mentality we all should have – to stay humble – when discussing the fragile development of players. We may like some players more than others, Wenger may like some players when we can’t really understand it, but there is no right and wrong on the subject while they are still learning. Once they make the step-up to regular professional football (say, post-20 or 21) then I think things can be more caste in stone.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 8:02 pm
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    KEP thank u jay thomas has got alot of ability but hes not an exceptional talent.

    jay thomas isnt a team player and would be a passenger in our team especially cause hes very slow. You can see why jay thomas was a left back and u can see why Steve Bould wants to play centre half. I dont think he can play in midfield for arsenal.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 8:04 pm
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    jay thomas came on for 5mins LOL

    A TALL INIESTA? UR HAVING A LAUGH I WOULD SAY HES A SLOWER VERSION OF DIABY.

    Henri lansbury gone to build up his fitness and play week in week out. Hes got it technically and mentally as well to play for arsenal. Hes alot more powerful and quicker now as well

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  • September 17, 2009 at 8:14 pm
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    John, JET is 6’3 and has a huge frame and as a 18 year old he’s still developing all the time so his game reflect his size it isn’t that he is a lazy his physique makes him look more lethargic ala Peter Crouch, Duncan Ferguson etc other big players who don’t look like they move much.

    Going down to a much smaller club like Blackpool is for a number of factors nut just workrate but experience and also to show him you can have fantastic quality but you also have to apply hardwork as well remember he is still only 18 a kid.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 8:27 pm
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    What are we going to gain from arguing who is the better player. Is AW on young guns everynight looking at who people like so that he can give them a game?! Somehow I don’t think so. I accept that people have different opinions so why can’t we just leave it at that. This is getting very tiresome.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 8:33 pm
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    the debate was actually not who is the better player.
    This is the last time I argue with John it’s useless he just keep writing the same things over and over

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  • September 17, 2009 at 8:43 pm
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    ok, but you get what i mean.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 8:57 pm
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    I think Arsenal miss players like JET. its not always good to have 11 small quick players playing one touch. sometimes you need to mix it up with a bit of fight, spirit, physicality etc. I reckon JET could become a far far better version of Diaby in a couple of years. lets stick with him for a while.
    I dont know enough about Watt. I am yet to be convinced either way but wenger has clearly seen something there.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 9:27 pm
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    He plays in a very similar way to Iniesta. Just because one is short and white and the other tall and black doesn’t mean their styles aren’t comparable. They both work best as a ‘second playmaker’ higher up the field, great passers and even better at finishing but being further up the field, their defensive ability often gets overlooked because it usually just amounts to cover (on weaker days often attributed to laziness and lack of ability, but hell, JET has spent years in defensive positions and Iniesta started as a DM) and not imposing themselves on games (again attrbuted to laziness.)

    Iniesta was never lazy, he suffered from – aha, sound familiar when applied to E-Thomas? – his club not knowing his best position and his strengths almost ignored due to his adaptability. Once Deco left and Iniesta could apply himself in 1 single position, he became arguably the worlds greatest player. When Lansbury and Merida went on loan last season and E-Thomas could find a stable place in our side, his performances became a lot more inspiring and he started to really take charge, looking less lazy and more likely to score!

    I never knew it was 5 minutes, I was just reporting what I was told.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 9:38 pm
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    Look thomas is a talent no doubt i just dont see where he fits in with arsenal first team.

    Samuel mate in my opinion thomas is not really like an iniesta.

    Someone like lansbury is more of an iniesta than thomas.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 9:39 pm
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    do u lot think wenger holds on 2 youngsters 4 too long who clearly wont make it. lansbury is one of the youngsters who seems 2 b top class. mark randall is kind of in the background. Coquelin looks like star. Does anyone think that benik afobe could have a superb rise to the first team before the end of the season. how about conor henderson and luke freeman and bartley

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  • September 17, 2009 at 10:01 pm
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    John, you do not use reasoned argument. You slate players. You prefer Murphy to Watt, Lansbury to JET, Cruise to Evina, Ayling to Bartley… is there a pattern emerging? Watt is one of our biggest talents. Lansbury may captain England but JET captains Arsenal (or captained) which shows what Steve Bould (who according to you must be an absolute numbnuts) thinks of him. Blackpool fans who do not analyse games think him lazy and cumbersome, those who do realise he is terrificly talented, scored on his debuted and has assisted which is a good record. Lansbury is very talented too and one of my favourite players. Yet to call him much better than JET is nuts (especially with the reasons you give), or the comparison you keep bringing up Krkic and Hazard from some World Cup… Krkic and Hazard have made amazing progress, Lansbury less so (partly down to illness) You said on here he turned down PL and La Liga loans… well name them then… Otherwise that is a childish way of arguing.

    I prefer Lansbury over JET but you are driving me fucking mental. Youth players are always up and down. We will not know their real talent for 8 years or so… Till then, SHUT UP!

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  • September 17, 2009 at 10:07 pm
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    Sanchez Watt has brilliant movement and the difference with him and JET (different players, I know) but he plays with his head. His interviews speak of a driven and thoughtful person.
    At the moment his direct running could improve as he seems to be ineffective out wide.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 10:17 pm
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    I dont know about Sanchez Watt, I think right now he is a good youth player but not a proffesional level. Rorie Deacon has impressed more this year for me. To the guy that said start walcott with Watt up front. They are the same kind of player and way to direct to have both of them together.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 10:26 pm
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    Henri Lansbury is the better player IMO. I think he is brilliant, has a fantastic engine and I think he is very exciting. Don’t know whether his style would suit us so much.

    Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has the potential to be even better and is a more Arsenal style player but he can be very lazy. I would also raise questions over his professionalism.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 11:00 pm
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    Funny coincidence how the three players being talked about (Watt, Lansbury and JET) are all good friends and the latter two would come down to Vicki Park in their early teens for a kickabout with some of my boys (much older boys). I was told they would take the fuckin piss out of the older lot. Hehe.

    Watt’s from the hood, if he gets given a chance to impress i’m prepared to bet big he’ll take it with both hands. Look at what he did in 15 mins (i think) in the Emirates Cup against Rangers. Nice impression he left there.

    John’s arguments are always futile and tedious (Sharpovic mate, you’d do well to ignore him) and pretty much sums up what Graeme Souness was on about last night when he was talking about why he’s fallen out of love with the game a bit cos of the fact that everyone has an opinion and believes they’re always correct. These kids nowadays believe they know it all.

    Samuel – Nice comments mate. I agree about the Iniesta/JET thing.

    I must say John is correct regarding Sanchez’s height though, he’s about 6″0/6″1. He’s grown in the past year or so.

    Shane – I can assure you Theo and Sanchez can be a devastating strike-force. They can both come short and get involved with the link-up play and can both (obviously) get in behind with their pace. Watt is also very strong so can hold the ball up well.

    Gianni – Great article mate.

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  • September 17, 2009 at 11:10 pm
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    Sorry man, I think you are a good poster on Arsenal sites, and generally know what’s up, but ‘the hood’?

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  • September 18, 2009 at 12:08 am
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    Sanchez is from the Bits still..

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  • September 18, 2009 at 12:31 am
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    Nacer must be pissed. He’s been leapfrogged by players who are not as good and younger than him.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 12:35 am
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    Samuel – Haha. He is though mate. :)

    In all fairness, it’s what can ruin a lot of players’ career. The pull of the streets is something else (trust me, i know what that feels like).

    If Sanchez can make a career for himself at Arsenal, he will be a real success story. There’s too much shit that goes on around young people nowadays in the more deprived areas that make it far too easy for them to stray from their goals and where they need to be.

    His attitude hasn’t always been the best because of certain things that can run through an adolescent’s mind coming from his type of background but he seems to have ‘fixed up’ now and looks like he is ready to push on and be all he can be. This is something JS alluded to in an earlier comment.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 1:19 am
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    Sean Gibson

    its now 4-3-3.
    Mannone
    Hoyte Senderos Silvestre Gibbs
    Coquelin
    Ramsey Merida
    Wilshere Watt Sunu

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  • September 18, 2009 at 2:38 am
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    John does go overboard with his comments however i agree that Jay Thomas @ moment is a slower version of Diaby. They both similar apart from Diaby’s speed. They both have good ball striking, fantastic footwork, strength but their decision-making are very bad [dribble when they should pass and they pass when they should dribble], bad workrate and poor concentration.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 4:52 am
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    JET is a good player but the fact that he has hardly any England youth caps like Mark Randell shows that he is not that highly rated, unlike like Henri Lansbury, but the best young British midfielder is Jack Rodwell by some distance IMO.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 6:36 am
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    Best talents at the club IMO (18´s or 19´s only because a) we forget how many of our stars are still kids and b) I´m not including young´uns like Afobe and Aneke):

    1) Wilshere, by a mile. Since before this kid made his reserve debut I pinned my flag to him… if he doesn´t make it I don´t understand football. This kid has everything I admire in an attacking player. Most notably an innate understanding of the game that all the top players have, you can´t teach someone how to sense danger.

    2) Coquelin. Absolutely monster, kid always had drive, energy and tackling ability but his game has come on leaps and bounds. Now add vision, passing ability and footskills. Will make DM his own before very long.

    3) Ramsey. Won´t say much as we all know what this kid is about.

    4) Merida. Class act, all the technical skills in the world. Just needs to work on the physical aspects.

    5) Bartley. Big, strong and good on the ball. Been held back by injuries but definately living up to his comparisons with Rio

    So many player below that like Sczezeny, Nordtveit, Lansbury Frimpong, Watt… we should stop arguing and be thankful for the best UK youth crop since West Ham knocked out Lampard, Ferdinand, Cole, Defoe and Carrick. This lot may yet piss on their achievements.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 7:32 am
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    Where is this hood in London btw? is it in west Baltimore? dudes running around with their friends being a bit cuntish, maybe one or two of them stupid enough to be playing with knives or drug dealing doesn’t equal the hood man. Hell, I grew up in rural Berkshire and that describes my friend group! (Alternatively my mate from uni grew up on Mossside and has never seen criminal acitivity to the point where he complains he doesn’t know where to get some weed.)

    But anyway, good times. We have a youth team with both Lansbury and JET in! What a priviledge, ey? Not only that but these two excellent scholars might not even be good enough to make it at a team where Nasri, Rosicky, Merida, Wilshere, Ramsey, Denilson and Cesc are for many years to come (hopefully)! I know we may have had a shitty two weeks in Manchester, and I know we like complaining and arguing about players (hey John), but our situation really does only get better every day.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 8:47 am
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    Sorry, just read a few posts from the bottom and stopped short when I read someone comparing Iniesta to Jay Thomas. WTF. They are NOTHING like each other. Iniesta’s play is base don quick interchanges and movement. He’s never been a 2nd striker either. If anyone Lansbury is more accomplished to be compared

    I do think Thomas’ best role is nearer the top of the pitch. Certainly not wide. In a 4-3-3 he could occupy a Bendtner wide role but tbh right up top or a center mid role where two defensive(ish) players are around him where he is free to roam.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 9:13 am
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    john u ignorant idiot. watt is a real talent n has clearly left a big impression on wenger, he is a head of barazite and sunu for first team spot. JET is an excellent talent and will probably suit arsenal style than landsbury.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 9:13 am
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    Lansbury is completely different to Iniesta. Lansbury plays a bit like Gerrard.

    Kentpaul, your point about being selected for England is a really bad one…. english coaches are useless

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  • September 18, 2009 at 10:08 am
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    Kentpaul, the best young British midfielder is Jack Rodwell? How about this boy named Jack Wilshere??

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  • September 18, 2009 at 10:56 am
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    If Watt is ahead of Barazite, then he really must be one hell of a prospect.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 11:28 am
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    All he needs now is to grow a beard and than he can play just like Diaby.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 12:00 pm
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    Is there anyone out there that rates Mannone? He frightens the life out of me

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  • September 18, 2009 at 12:00 pm
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    I think JET can be a Berbatov type player, big weapon inbehind the front two…….full power……big playa….penatrative…..

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  • September 18, 2009 at 1:17 pm
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    JET is too slow to play for us in midfield or up front.

    Henri Lansbury the problem with him is illness has taken him 1-2 years to recover than he went on loan to scunthorpe now watford so ppl havent seen him play for arsenal reserves for a quite a while. I have seen him play championship football which is better than reserves footabll and hes been superb for watford.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 1:59 pm
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    john fuck off. Your either his dad or you’ve run out of baby oil you sad fuck .

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  • September 18, 2009 at 2:05 pm
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    James

    I ment to say central midfielder.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 2:15 pm
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    WTF r ppl so angry just saying lansbury is a better footballer than jay thomas. For christ sakes its an opinion.

    Jay thomas is an overhyped player he shows a few skills and tricks against youth defenders and people think hes the next big thing. LOL

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  • September 18, 2009 at 2:22 pm
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    Also i do not know why people allways say we have these great youngsters coming threw the ranks because if we get one or two first team regulars out of the FA Youth cup wining team then we will be very lucky indeed, because the best young FA Youth cup wining side i have ever seen was the West Ham wining side of ten years ago and only Joe Cole and Michael Carrick went on to have great careers out of that particular team, so injury and form permitting out of this particular team it will be Jack Wilshere and one or two more football players at most IMO.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 2:22 pm
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    Premiership not all about skill, technical ability its about grinding out, working hard, digging out performances. I cant see Jay thomas doing that hes a luxury player hes not going to into the trenches.

    Henri Lansbury not only got the skill but hes got the leadership, passion, drive, desire he will graft, grind put in performances but also show quality.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 2:26 pm
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    Henri lansbury, Bojan Krkic, Eden Hazard these 3 players were superb 2 years ago in the euro under 17s championships.

    Krkic and hazard have developed well but

    lansbury unfortunately got a massive illness and has now recovered and getting his full fitness back by going to Watford.

    When he comes back to the first team i think u will see how good he is. Hes definitely as good as wilshere in terms of creativity, goal scoring and has better vision.

    But now hes taller, stronger and hes much more quicker

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  • September 18, 2009 at 2:28 pm
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    John: People are angry because it’s an article on Sanchez Watt! And yet all you do is talk crap about E-Thomas and laud Lansbury! And you’ve done this on many articles and more than one website! We’ve heard your opinion, some have even tried creating a dialogue with you, now move on!

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  • September 18, 2009 at 2:49 pm
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    Samuel i cant believe u compared jay thomas to Iniesta LOL honestly i nearly coughed on my corn flakes when you said that.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 3:01 pm
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    Kentpaul, if you think the arsenal academy is nothing special, then wtf are you doing on this blog?

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  • September 18, 2009 at 3:02 pm
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    jack wilshire is like iniesta.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 4:16 pm
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    Why don´t youngguns get a forum instead, these kind of discussion often goes OT ? =)
    I hope Randall don´t play against WBA, I can not see anything in him and he will probably end up in the Coca-Cola. I have´nt seen Watt so much but if he is highly rated by Wenger, what do we really discuss? The biggest talant for me is Barazite, love him and I dont want to see him in the reserves this year to. A club like Pompey or Rovers would suit him perfect.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 4:32 pm
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    If you read my comparison it was as much to do with with lack of understanding and playing in different positions than playing style, although they do both work best as a ‘third central midfielder’. Not all footballer comparisons have to be ‘hey Aboi Diaby is a tall french black central midfielder – he must be like Paddy Vieira!’

    Reply
  • September 18, 2009 at 5:02 pm
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    sharpovic

    The Arsenal acadamy will only be classed as special if we start to produce newmoerous players for the first team like Barcelona do.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 5:05 pm
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    Man I just have to say thank you for the great article on Sanchez Watt. I been following the Youth team for awhile and I have to say that the club should be really proud of the players that are coming though.

    Just to get an idea of why Watt is prefer by Mr. Wenger just watch the recent Reserve match against Stoke City. That game was awful, it was very physical, Arsenal could not play their game, there was no rhythm. Yet I cant help but admired Watt mentality. The whole time he was trying to play the Arsenal way, playing quick one two with teammates hustling when they give up possession. I knew that if given the chance with the first team he would certaintly fit right in. He also got a great attitude a plus in my book.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 5:42 pm
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    John’s legendary on here and right with most of what he says,although I wouldnt rule out JET shocking us and become a top front man in the Adebayor mould.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 6:34 pm
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    john fuck off. Your either his dad or you’ve run out of baby oil you sad fuck .

    Gills said this on September 18, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    Hahahahahaha.

    Samuel – Don’t worry mate, i got what you meant by the comparison, i knew you’d get some stick about though *sigh*.

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  • September 18, 2009 at 7:42 pm
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    JET is going to be better than Berbatov, however needs to play behind striker or even up front on his lonesome. Think he could slip into Seria A right now!!!! Benga should have kept hold of him and played him in that position for the carling…….

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  • September 18, 2009 at 8:32 pm
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    TJ u can fukk off ur either jay thomas girl or just a lil pussy plastic arsenal fan whos gets bonner playing championship manager

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  • September 18, 2009 at 8:50 pm
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    John, ur a little boy who has 95% of Young Guns and Arsenal Youth contributors either laughing at him or despising his stupid comments. I’ve tried to help you in the past as i understood from your insolent remarks quite a while back that u may have been a young boy who has much to learn.

    I pitied you, never hated you but you bring everything upon yourself. I’m not one gunning you, i’m laughing at other people gunning you. Do you understand the difference? You’re a silly little boy that wouldn’t dare speak to me like that to my face.

    I’ve been an Arsenal fan before u was an itch in ur pappy’s scrotum boy! I refuse to argue with a child…..for what’s it’s worth, grow up and stop making a fool of urself. Do you think you can manage that?

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  • September 18, 2009 at 11:39 pm
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    Don’t listen to them John, if they want to be mean to you then that’s just their problem. Your point of view is just as valid as theirs even if yours is wrong.

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  • September 19, 2009 at 3:43 am
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    WHere is emmanuel frimpong. i have not seen or heard anything about him in months. Is he still with arsenal? is he ok, injjred or not?

    Reply
  • September 19, 2009 at 3:44 am
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    LOL….The fact that you call anywhere in England the “hood” is funny. You dont even have guns.

    Reply

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