Eastmond In Wenger's Arsenal Squad For Wolves Trip

Young Guns’ September Player of the Month Craig Eastmond has been rewarded for a fantastic month which included a run out in the Carling Cup by being named in Arsène Wenger’s travelling 18 for the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow.

The combative defensive midfielder is very much a surprise inclusion as the Gunners continue their title push with a 5.30pm kick off at Molineux Stadium. Eastmond has never been included in a Premier League squad and therefore the 18-year-old life-long Arsenal fan would be making his PL debut if he was brought on.

Interestingly Craig has been prefered to Francis Coquelin and Emmanuel Frimpong, both of whom were tipped to play for the first team by Under 18’s coach Steve Bould. Eastmond’s inclusion surely suggestions that he is in contention to fill the void left by Alexandre Song when the African Cup of Nations claims him during January.

Article By – J.Sanderson

118 thoughts on “Eastmond In Wenger's Arsenal Squad For Wolves Trip

  • November 6, 2009 at 5:27 pm
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    Congratulations to him.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 5:28 pm
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    Anyone know what prompted wenger to choose Eastmond over Coquelin in the first place? By all accounts coquelin has been a star for us in the reserves and I thought he had a solid game in the Carling Cup vs. WBA.

    Now all of a sudden his place is under threat by someone who really came out of nowhere.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 5:31 pm
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    I think with the Carling Cup its a training thing. Whoever shows they want it most in training gets the shirts and by the looks of things Eastmond trained better than Coquelin and Frimpong and he has now took his chance.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 5:38 pm
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    i can understand that. judging by your comments about the recent reserve match it seems that coquelin isn’t exactly fighting for his spot.

    just wondered if there was an extra dimension that eastmond gave us. From what I have seen he attacks a little more than our other DMs (even Song). He doesn’t just sit in front of the back 4, when he can he will try and get forward. Whether this is a good thing remains to be seen.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 5:45 pm
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    This is totally left field. I’d always assumed JET would return in January to cover for Song?

    I’m stunned by this.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 5:50 pm
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    Wenger has always shown in his comments that he is very impressed by someone who actually performs on the day. He gave Eastmond a chance, for whatever reason, and I think Wenger must have been impressed by his ability to deliver on the day.

    Maybe he’s a late developer (like Jay Simpson)?

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 5:53 pm
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    denilson will fill song position when the African cup is on

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 5:53 pm
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    another reason why he might be fast tracking him is that Song currently has 4 yellow cards and another one this weekend would lead to a suspension and surely noone else can play DM at the moment.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 5:55 pm
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    I think that this is a great opportunity for Craig to show the his potential especially against teams like wolves because, games like this will show if he has the potential or lacks it. I like seeing hard working lads like him get their rewards and we’re lucky to have a manager that offers that chance…and Im sure come training next week, there’s going to be lads trying to impress AW.

    BTW J.S any news on the Afobe Transfer? Additionally, i thought that it was under FIFA rules that players under 17 could not transfer unless they were in the catchment area as the academy! I guess i was wrong.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 5:55 pm
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    Wenger finding another excuse to blank Merida.

    Reply
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  • November 6, 2009 at 5:56 pm
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    Paulinho – I believe Fran is also in the squad too, but I’m not 100% sure.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 5:58 pm
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    Fantastic, it’s faboulous news really. We need some players that’s fighting for the Arsenal badge and showing pride for it!

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:01 pm
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    Fran Merida is not a holding midfielder where Craig Eastmond is, and that is a position we are particularly weak in at this present moment in time, where as in attack we are not mate.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 6:02 pm
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    What about Jack Wilshire? (not for DM obviously, but in the squad?)

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:07 pm
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    Complete joke Coquelin is easily a better quality player he must be pissed and no doubt annoyed as he knows he can do things in his sleep that Eastmond dreams about.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 6:09 pm
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    Stil cant read ur article just tha comments.do something

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:11 pm
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    BigMan

    I may be wrong on this but i think that Jack Wilshere is injured mate.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:17 pm
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    1. Manuel Almunia
    2. Abou Diaby
    3. Bacary Sagna
    4. Cesc Fabregas
    5. Tomas Vermaelen
    6. Tomas Rosicky
    7. Samir Nasri
    8. Eduardo
    9. William Gallas
    10. Robin Van Persie
    11. Aaron Ramsey
    12. Alex Song
    13. Mikael Silvestre
    14. Andrey Arshavin
    15. Vito Mannone
    16. Emmanuel Eboue
    17. Kieran Gibbs

    Surely will all be in the squad. That only leaves one spot so it is Eastmond or Merida.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:19 pm
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    If fran merida isnt included in the arsenal squad then WTF is wenger playing at does he want to drive merida away?

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  • November 6, 2009 at 6:22 pm
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    Good luck to him, but I think Coquelin, JET and Frimpong have more quality. We forget that Eastmond was a RB, and Eboue will also be off to ACN and possibly Florence afterwards.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 6:26 pm
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    Great news for Eastmond!
    Who do you recon is out of the squad against wolves? YOu think any of merida / eastmond has a chance of playing?

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:31 pm
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    Don’t you see what is going on? Eventough there has been a time when Wenger said that it’s not about the passports, but as I see it they want to give english youngsters a chance.

    I have been watching reserve games and I think Coquelin should be the youngster who will get a first chance to prove himself for the holding midfielder spot. He has been so good a long time now. Craig Eastmond has been good a couple of games, but then again… he is an englisman.

    And as I see it, the club wants to bring in generation of good english youngsters. This is why they get a chance more easily.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:32 pm
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    Ive just managed to open tha full site n ican read everything.iwas reading tha mobile site b4.to me Merida has quick feet n hence wil take his chance when called apon

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:33 pm
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    F*** me, that’s what you call a meteoric rise. :)

    another reason why he might be fast tracking him is that Song currently has 4 yellow cards and another one this weekend would lead to a suspension and surely noone else can play DM at the moment.

    kumquat_s said this on November 6, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    I think you may be correct there mate.

    Also, JW is currently injured.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:33 pm
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    tom

    Denilson is not a DM. He was forced into it at that time because we had none. Denilson lacks height and physicality to succeed as a DM. Eastmond seems to have all that; height, physicality, good passing range and better pace to track back.

    Eastmond may be the surprise pick for 2009.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:35 pm
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    Ive just managed to open tha full site n ican read everything.iwas reading tha mobile site b4.to me Merida has quick feet n hence wil take his chance when called apon.dm looks to ve real compe from tha upcoming young guns

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:36 pm
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    Yeah but Merida is not exactly an Arshavin; he’s more of a central player that can pass the ball and make sure we keep ‘playing our game’, which is what we continually stop doing when we are in a position of ascendency.

    I don’t know why Wenger shows complete disdain for defensive supplementation during transfer windows, but then tries half-arsed solutions during the season, like he’s just realised we have a deficiency there.

    I don’t think Eastmond is anywhere near good enough to play for the first team, his passing was very dodgy in the liverpool game. I like his energy though and I’m not completely averse to him being in the squad – but not ahead of the likes of Merida, even if we’re quite well stocked in that department at this particular moment.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:37 pm
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    I love Francis Coquelin and Arsene Wenger will be making the biggest mistake of his life by choosing Eastmond over him. Does he want to appease those calling for him to get more English men into the 1st team? Looks like!!

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:43 pm
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    Eastmond is in there because he does the job he supposed to do. From what I have seen, he uses the ball simply & better than Coquelin & much better than Frimpong, who to me looks some way from being ready for 1st team football. I have seen him take some whacks but he just gets up & gets on with it.

    He was involved in both goals against Liverpool & he is probably in the squad as a reward for his excellent overall performance in that game.

    Good luck to all of them.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:48 pm
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    I believe the reason he’s played him instead of the rest of the up and coming DM’s is that when this new law kicks in that you have to have a certain amount of english men in the team. He’ll be ready for it!!

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 6:50 pm
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    nobody agree with the RB cover argument? Eboue will be at ACN shortly.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 7:02 pm
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    Ondgooner

    There are so many average non-English players which also surprises me. We have Senderos, Sylvestre, Denilson, Eboue,Traore, Djourou all average, below Arsaenal level but still hanging in there.

    Its good for Arsene to start giving English players chances to prove themselves. Matthew Upson is obviously better than Senderos and Cigan that given the same chances could have done better than the above at CB. Equally, Sidwell could do better than Diaby, Song and Denilson if given the same patience as the above.

    I also see the better player in Coquelin than Eastmond but Eastmond took his chance in the CC game against Liverpool while Coquelin was not impressive against WBA.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 7:04 pm
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    Yep Jack Wilshere is still injured and will be missing.

    Some good points there guys but I don’t believe that because he’s English he’s getting a chance. Coquelin has gone off the boil in the last couple of games, he’s been a bit average recently – same with Frimpong. Football is very competitive and you’ve got to take your chances and that’s exactly what Craig has gone. He’d bang on form so why not give him a chance?

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 7:09 pm
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    Traore and Djourou average? You what? Sidwell vs Diabi/Song/Denilson? Please share what you are smoking.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:11 pm
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    coquelin had one bad game against portsmouth that every other player was bad in aswell so he hasn’t exactly been average. Having said that, eastmond really has taken his chance and its now up to coquelin to fight harder for that same chance.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:12 pm
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    I don’t think its to do with the fact that he’s English.

    Don’t forget, it wasn’t just Coquelin and Frimpong who he started over in the Liverpool match, it was Randall as well (who impressed as a sub in the last round vs. WBA).

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:14 pm
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    Eastmond at RB is not fast enough. Hoyte, Gilbert or even Ramsey would be better cover (played that at Cardiff)

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:17 pm
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    @ondgooner
    In general i get what ur saying, however, its madness to suggest sidwell would have been better than Song! LOL!! No way!!! Are u gonna tell me next that Bentley could have been better than Arshavin? Or Jay Boothroyd better than Van Persie? Come on now, some players got it and some dont! Arsene knows what he’s doing, he made a mistake with Upson maybe but i cant think of many more.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 7:18 pm
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    sorry ondgooner that wasnt meant 4 u after all!

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:18 pm
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    Gilbert granted, Hoyte is poor, and Ramsey is too attacking.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:29 pm
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    At least now people will be off our back for not producing English talent. We could even field a team of our English players in a few years who could do well in the premiership.

    Almunia (seriously)
    Hoyte Bartley Ayling Gibbs
    Wilshere Eastmond Lansbury
    Walcott Watt Emmanuel-Thomas

    Subs/Reserve:
    Shea Gilbert Byles Obed Cruise Yennaris Randall Frimpong Aneke Freeman Simpson Afobe Deacon Murphy

    But obviously we would never field that team. I like the idea of our top youth products (e.g. Wilshere, Lansbury, Gibbs) being mixed with young talent from abroad (Merida, Coquelin, Sunu)and a couple of top foreign stars (Arshavin, Vermaelen, Eduardo).

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 7:35 pm
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    Paulinho – i thought eastmonds passing against liverpool was fantastic. Almost always found a player and quite a few nice flicks and worked it well out of tight areas a couple times.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 7:49 pm
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    Ramsey too attacking? yes, so is Robin van Persie. Maybe he still lacks some defensive discipline but he is not a DM. He plays between the DM and Fabregas but often he comes on for Cesc and therefore playing as the most advanced midfielder when on. Agreed though that Gilbert and Hoyte will never make it here.

    I still can’t believe how deluded so many fans are about JET. He is not a superstar and he sure ain’t no DM and he is not coming to replace Song in January. I might sound like a know-it-all twat but this is pretty obvious. I really don’t think he will ever make it here, but if he does than it will be further up the field and not as a defensive midfielder. Denilson will most likely be Song’s replacement. Probably, Wenger will ask Nasri to drop deeper so Denilson and Nasri share the defensive role. We are playing United during that time, wished Song would play there to show how much better he is than Anderson.

    And I agree with JS, it’s not a passport thing. Eastmond had a great game against Liverpool and to say his passing was bad is evidence of not watching the game. He is ahead of Coquelin because of that performance and his performances for the reserves this campaign.

    As for the point of Song being rested because of yellow cards. It’s not possible because the next game is against Sunderland while the game after that is against Chelsea. So if he wants to ensure he plays against Chelsea, he can either get himself a yellow card tomorrow and sacrifice the Sunderland game, or rest until the Chelsea game which he will definately not do. What had been smart was to concede a yellow card at the end of the Spuds game and miss the Wolves game.

    About Frimpong. He needs to proof that he is more than just muscles and aggression. He lacks the technical and passing ability that Coquelin and Eastmond possess.

    Does anyone know why Merida wasn’t in the squad against AZ? It didn’t seem right to have two CBs on the bench. Was he maybe injured in warm-up?

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:53 pm
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    If Eastmond is in the squad to Molineux then I expect him to play a part at the later stage when we’re leading comfortably. He might come in for Song.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:56 pm
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    Stone, Ramsey being attacking was a rebuttal regarding the RB position.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 7:58 pm
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    according to sporting review eastmond is NOT in the squad

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  • November 6, 2009 at 8:01 pm
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    I do like eastmond very composed player very good technically he does have a flamini look to him.

    I do like him but coquelin and frimpong are smaller than him mnaybe thats why eastmond is beeng givin a chance hes good in the air as well

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 8:01 pm
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    Also comparing Song and Anderson is not right. A better comparison is with a more attacking player like Nasri, where Nasri would win regardless.
    Regarding JET, he probably wont be DM, but more a box to box player as someone else mentioned. To say he wont make it is absurd, he is one our most promising players.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 8:04 pm
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    j thomas is going to be arsenals future power house. He will do what diaby does, never will he be a DM. Wenger told a coach he wants him to try centre back but thomas doesnt fancy it

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  • November 6, 2009 at 8:21 pm
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    Ignore the poster Only Fabregas. He is a well known troll on ACLF who goes by the names of Howard, James, Jimbo. He is prone to slagging off arsenal players, and is probably a spurs fan.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 8:30 pm
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    you guys wanted Wenger to pick English talent. Now you’re complaining about how coquelin is better. Make up your minds lads.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 8:55 pm
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    @ john, correct Eastmond offers more physical presence than Pong & Coq and his good in the air. J.Sanderson also made a valid point about performances in the training which fans are not priviledge to seeing.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 8:57 pm
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    I agree with anon to a degree. why would the squad be any different to the 18 that were involved against alkmaar? no one got injured and no one is returning from injury.

    The 18 on wednesday were: almunia, eboue, gallas, vermaelen, gibbs, song, cesc, diaby, nasri, arshavin, rvp, manoone, senderos, silvestre, ramsey, eduardo, rosicky, sagna.

    the only way either merida or eastmond will be included will be in place of senderos or if someone got injured today that we haven’t heard about yet.

    I hope you’re right though J, I was hoping Merida would be involved on Wednesday.

    Reply
  • November 6, 2009 at 9:04 pm
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    Its like when Gibbs was given a Community Shield start a couple of years back out of the blue. Its about temperament as well as skill. Eastmond is a stayer – Coquellin sees Arsenal as an education before moving on – a bit like Merida I fear. Frimpong won’t make it in the long run. He’s got West Ham written all over him.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 9:06 pm
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    @ Ben, if we win how next CL game we will win the group thus younguns will start the last game against Olympiacos so all the youngguns have wait for their turn instead of being agitated.

    Arsenal always take extra player/players on top of matchday 18 players just in case someone goes down injured or ill.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 9:07 pm
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    If Francis Coquelin is the real deal he will rise to the challenge Craig Eastmond has now laid down for him, because nobody should be guaranteed a place they should have to earn the right for a chance of first team football which is the way it should allways be IMO.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 9:11 pm
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    #

    I love Francis Coquelin and Arsene Wenger will be making the biggest mistake of his life by choosing Eastmond over him. Does he want to appease those calling for him to get more English men into the 1st team? Looks like!!

    ondgooner said this on November 6, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    Biggest mistake of his life, ey? That subs bench against Wolves really must mean something compared to messing up Kaka, Ronaldo, Drogba and Ibrahimovic transfers, losing Flamini, letting Diarra go to early, the Champions League and UEFA Cup final, not knowing how to motivate the team after our unbeaten run ended etc. etc. etc.

    #

    you guys wanted Wenger to pick English talent. Now you’re complaining about how coquelin is better. Make up your minds lads.

    McBeth said this on November 6, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    I think can speak for most when I say- we want to see the best at our club and if they are English and homegrown that is just an incredible bonus as it not only helps the national team but also means we are spending less, meaning we have more in the coffers for the Arshavins and Vermaelans. If Coquelin is ‘better’ then he should be given the chance no matter nationality. I personally do not see enough reserve team football to be able to accurately comment on the situation but a little competetion cannot hurt and neither do I see it a problem to see a DM integrated before Song inevitably leaves for a month.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 9:16 pm
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    truth- i’m not sure putting opinions on to players is going to help. how the hell do you know coquelin or merida are treating the club that way? cesc’s cunty former agent doesn’t count – there was a reason cesc once fired him and merida will most probably do so as well at some point in the future.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 9:33 pm
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    Samuel, No criticizing Wenger please.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 9:53 pm
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    Biggest mistake of his life, ey? That subs bench against Wolves really must mean something compared to messing up Kaka, Ronaldo, Drogba and Ibrahimovic transfers, losing Flamini, letting Diarra go to early, the Champions League and UEFA Cup final, not knowing how to motivate the team after our unbeaten run ended etc. etc. etc.

    ————————————————————–

    Why dont you go and coach if it is that easy for compile a list for which there are counter argument.

    For tip of the iceberg, were u alive when Diarra was dissing Wenger & club every bloody week. As for Ibra, We had Bergkamp at the time and plus we got RVP instead anyway plus Ibra is one the most overrated players ever.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 9:58 pm
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    i know that supergunner07, I was just saying it may have shown Merida that the boss has faith in him by puuting him with the first team regulars, thats all. Not that he would have got on anyway.

    No-one has mentioned who Craig Eastmond and/or Merida are replacing from Wednesdays squad. That was my main point, the only way they would be included would be if Senderos was not selected or if one of the first team players picked up an injury in training yesterday or today.

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  • November 6, 2009 at 10:28 pm
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    On wednesday we had two center backs on the bench which is the first time this season and there is absolutely no reason to have to of them, even if Gallas and Vermaelen collided and both had to come off then we could put our third best CB, Alex Song in defence for the rest of the game. So, Eastmond is probably taking Silvestre’s place in the squad. There isn’t a place for Merida unless he takes Eboue out of the squad.

    I think the bench (when everybody are fit) should include:
    1 GK (Fabiansky)
    2 full back (Gibbs)
    2 midfielders (Denilson and Ramsey)
    2 attackers (Walcott and Bendtner)
    There is no reason to have 2 full backs on the bench (Gibbs and Eboue).

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  • November 6, 2009 at 11:50 pm
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    Jamie, I have no doubt that he is in the squad, you are usually spot on. I f Wenger thinks that is the right option, who are we to judge??

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  • November 6, 2009 at 11:58 pm
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    Wow we have some real talent comming through.

    I saw Eastmond play against the Scousers and he was good, but he was against Lucus, Plesis and Spearing that night. He was head and shoulders above them.

    BUT is he ready to play against: Essien/Ballack/Lampard?
    Gerrad/Mascarano/Aqualani?

    I dont know and have to trust Le Boss, as he knows what he is doing, as we have seen with loads of players.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 2:51 am
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    Only thing that I can say is that I trust Wenger on this. How many of the youngsters that we have released have gone on to bigger and better things than those that remained?

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  • November 7, 2009 at 3:03 am
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    I think he is more suited for RB position than DM right now. He might be slower than Gilbert but he is a much better defender than Gilbert anyway. It’s not about speed all the time. Ramsey, Diaby and denilson is better than him and denilson will be back when Song is away. I don’t know if Hoyte will be back in time when Eboue is away but Eastmond and Hoyte is better than Gilbert I think.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 4:33 am
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    Merida has a contract offer and did not sign (yet) – so he’s staying back to think about what he wangts. Good move by AW. Either a player fully committed to the Gunners or he goes where the pepper grows. Fullstop.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 4:50 am
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    It reflects on how arsenalF.C is serious on promoting soccer of young players from low level to high level

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  • November 7, 2009 at 8:41 am
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    Bloody hell people. I love Wenger like one of the family but are we really not allowed to criticise him? And that ‘if you think [x] is so easy to criticise why don’t you go do [y occupation]?’ is the worst and most pointless criticism in history. It concludes that people are not allowed an opinion on ANYTHING in this culture other than what they do. Well then I must say silent about the politics of my country because I am not a politician, the football team I love playing a game I am crazy about because I do not coach a team, records because I don’t have a recording contract, movies because I’m too ugly to act, food because I am not a farmer or the standard of anything I have ever experienced bar the thing I do because I am supposedly not qualified to have an opinion.

    Wenger has made bigger mistakes than who goes on the subs bench for Wolves. I tried make a humorous remark and you all went bleeding mental, like I was kicking your father in the teeth. Bloody hell people, lighten up.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 9:24 am
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    Eastmond delivered against pool and he is rewarded. he is a bit more disciplined than le coq, who is the better player.

    I don’t think he is technically better than Pong as a I read it. Frimpong is not bad at all technically, he just often make the wrong choices. Not as good as coquelin, but better than Eastmond.

    I hope Wilshere’s injury isn’t too serious, it was supposed to be a matter of days

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  • November 7, 2009 at 9:27 am
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    There’s only one way to end this debate, that’s to judge him after he’s given a chance (which is clearly what the boss intends to do).

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  • November 7, 2009 at 9:28 am
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    well said Samuel.

    Wenger usually is spot on in motivating his players with hidden agenda (good interview with Clichy the other day about it). It might very well be that he is trying to push Coquelin by showing him that the road is not clear for him. He has to fight for every step on the path.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 9:34 am
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    Wenger had two CB´s on the bench midweek – cause Sly was cover for gibbs. As you all know by now he will not break the Gallas/Verm combination, that leaves sly as the only cover for Gibbs.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 9:42 am
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    I read somewhere that Wilshere might miss at least the first U-21 game of the international break while Walcott is sure to miss both. I hope Jack can play both as he really needs the minutes. U-21 is the most action he has gotten this season.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 9:55 am
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    Having read some of the comments, I failed to see appreciation the fact that Arsene includes young players.

    It may not matter that much who is get selected. But we have to keep in mind ‘Arsene knows’. He might have his reason for the selection. For all I care, we should just appreciate and then give the selected youngster a chance. Why would we want to kill his hope even before he even get the chance to play in the 1st team?

    Best form player may gets the chance but only the consistent and worthy will stay there. Keep that in mind. Go Gunners!!

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  • November 7, 2009 at 10:03 am
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    I think some of you guys are getting a little uptight about nothing. Merida is not yet good enough to replace the likes of Rosicky, Nasri, Arshavin or Eddy. Now if they need a rest, or the game is less important & he signs his contract then he should be given the experience. For today, he’s not appropriate.

    As for Eastmond vs Coquelin – from their respective showings in the CC team, Eastmond did better. Coquelin must take his chance next time – & there will be a next time.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 10:29 am
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    Eastmond may be in the squad but I’d would say @ this present time Aaron Ramsey will get the node over them, as for January surly Jay T is the man in waiting when Song goes off on his travels, apart from him being a class above any of the rest in that position, he’s only on month to month contracts @ Blackpool last time I looked, so there must be a reason for that???

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  • November 7, 2009 at 10:40 am
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    J.Sanderson – I loved that little piece you did for Gooner Talk yesterday. It was quality mate.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 11:14 am
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    Lee…you can’t be that naive to think Jay Emmanuel Thomas to come back from his loan in the Championship in January and start in place of Song?
    First, he didn’t have a preseason with us, 2nd, he’s not experienced player in the transfer window, 3rd…he has not played in the Carling Cup.

    Atleast one of those criteria would have to be made. Though I do think he’s an excellent talent waiting.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 11:56 am
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    Jay… I have to say it looks as if you have given my NAIVETY “no room for monomer” from your 3 facts, other then perhaps they all navigate the same criteria “HE’s NOT BEEN WITH US SO FAR THIS SEASON”, so in reality he had no chance of fulfilling ANY of your criteria “did he”……
    But this dose not change the MAIN fact he’s the best player (on our books @ present) for that unique position. Now IF AW decides to go his own way as he always does then so be it.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 12:17 pm
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    Eastmond is picked over Coquelin because of one reason and everyone knows it. He is English. Wenger is trying to produce English talent. It the same reason why Gibbs was pushed past Traore. They are all good players but Wenger is tryin to produce British talent.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 12:40 pm
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    shane

    I’m surprised about your conclusion. Traore can’t defend and I can say emphatically that Traore is not a defender. He’s more suited at LM or LW. So far he’s not played a full game for Arsenal because he flops in every game and then get replaced. CC WHL, MANU FA, CL Serville and many others. Please, Gibbs is far better than Traore.

    Personally, I also feel Coquelin is better than Eastmond but he surprised me against Liverpool and deserves his new attention. I was also amazed by the average performance of Coq. against WBA, I expected so much from Coq. to fight for Song’s position with Denilson when Song leave for the ACN. I still expect great things from Coq. though in the months ahead.

    Eastmond clearly deserves where he is now if you follow reserve team and the fact that he was moved from RB to the centre. Its a clear case of somebody developing late; a meteoric rise I must say.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 1:28 pm
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    shane: that is stupid on so many levels. why are bentley and pennant not in the team instead of cesc and rosicky then? talent is the only important article. if and possibly when the 6+5 thing comes to fruition, maybe it will be different but our french manager who was the first to ever side a squad with no english players in our league does not care about nationality. like i said- if we can produce quality english academy players then it is a plus for their connection to the club, country and fans as well as meaning we don’t have to spend so much on each position in transfers and agent bonuses.

    the same way almost everyone was surprised at the rise of watt over barazite, it seems that eastmond is making his way because of how much effort he shows in training. if it encourages coq to ‘better’ him, then great.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 1:33 pm
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    the traore vs gibbs was a very bad exemple shane!!

    AW made it clear several times, he doesn’t look at the passport.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 2:16 pm
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    the idea that Wenger will rely on an 18 year old to fill Song’s boots in January is laughable. The rumours of Vieira coming back are more believable than that.

    Good luck to Eastmond but the kid is in danger of being over-hyped after about 30 minutes of good stuff in the carling cup and whole swathes of the match that just passed him buy.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 2:19 pm
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    good luk 2 craig, nice game against liverpool. Jay i am havin problem reading full article with my phone.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 3:18 pm
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    it is to early to say that he will be he will the replacement for song during the african cup. he just has one good game at the carling cup, we still need a further display at the first team squad to say he is the one.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 4:04 pm
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    Really…For one Im dumb, but you used Jermaine Pennat and David Bentley as you examples. How long ago was that? You are deny comments made by Wenger himself in saying that he is making an emphasis on developing British talent so dont get offended when the obvious is stated. Also, I never said Traore was better then Gibbs. I think they are about the same but because Gibbs is english, he gets pushed ahead. No one on hear can say that Eastmond is better then Coquelin and definetly no one that isnt English. It is unbelievable how people become so bias when the story relates in some way to them. Do you think if Mark Randall wasnt British, he would still be at the club? He has looked horrible everytime he gets in a first team game and the only positve was that 1 chip shot and he almost scored verse sunderland. Its ok, I believe that every club should try to develope talents from the country they reside in but dont deny what is obvious and then act like an asshole to anyone that doesnt agree with your opinion.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 4:56 pm
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    just seen teh squad…he isn’t there

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  • November 7, 2009 at 4:56 pm
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    your point on Randall is pretty ridiculous

    he won’t make it, but his performances last year in the CC were good enough for Wenger to give him more time.

    wenger doesn’t give a f* about nationality. If the academy starts producing english talents he will be proud about it, but there’s no way he’ll play an english player because he is english

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  • November 7, 2009 at 4:59 pm
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    lol Eastmond is not in the squad

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  • November 7, 2009 at 5:02 pm
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    Sorry J but your informants are leading you astray.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 5:07 pm
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    come on eastmond, prove your doubters miles off.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 5:10 pm
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    WTF? Eastmond not in the squad, not Merida. Dont just publish anything.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 5:11 pm
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    Look, J obviously had good information or he wouldn’t have published it. Things change in football very rapidly.

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  • November 7, 2009 at 5:17 pm
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    Randall was good in the CC? Did you watch the Carling Cup? He gave the ball away nearly everytime he touched the thing. The team played good but he was clearly the weak link.

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