West Ham V Arsenal – Reserves – Match Preview

Arsenal’s Reserves return to action this evening following the winter break with a feisty London derby with West Ham set to raise temperatures on a freezing night in the East of the capital.

Three defeats in the final month of the first half of the campaign leave Neil Banfield boys a little off the title pace, but a win over the struggling Hammers would certainly aid the title push. However, the avaliablity of several players is in doubt after an increasing number of Banfield’s first-choice have featured in the first-team over the last few weeks. Run outs for many of the promising Under 18’s seems inevitable.

Sanchez Watt and Gilles Sunu should lead the line but with the former being touted to several Championship clubs regarding a loan move, Benik Afobe or Luke Freeman could step in and provide different but effective options. Francis Coquelin and Craig Eastmond are set to continue their solid shield in front of a back four led by captain Kyle Bartley.

Shea
Hajrovic – Bartley (c) – Miquel – Cruise
Coquelin – Eastmond – Randall – Emmanuel-Thomas
Sunu – Watt

Arsenal TV Online have halted their live coverage of Reserves games, instead now promising immediate highlights. However, should you not be able to get to the game at Upton Park, a full Match Report will be available at Full Time.

Article By – J.Sanderson

120 thoughts on “West Ham V Arsenal – Reserves – Match Preview

  • January 12, 2010 at 1:04 pm
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    There’s a rumour going around that Sol has joined and will play in this match.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 1:05 pm
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    Did Sunu ever sign a new deal?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 1:07 pm
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    WTF are Arsenal tv online doing now? No live reserves games? Whats the point one of the main reasons i joined was to watch reserves games now its a joke. I wonder if it on the West ham online one

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  • January 12, 2010 at 1:17 pm
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    J.Sanderson – please reply… I know its off the topic.

    But could please update me on Romelu Lukaku, region of £8m – young – proven goalscoring record, surely the ideal recover for V.Persie. What are Arsenal doing, because the likes of Real, Chelsea and Man U are monitoring him too. i hope we SNAP him up fast.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 1:19 pm
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    im with john on this. the only reason i joined ATVO was to watch the reserve games. how on earth can they do this half way through the season?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 1:33 pm
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    When does Barazite return?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 1:40 pm
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    How much is a little off? three points,four points or what. It is time for wins.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 1:51 pm
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    Hi J,

    What’s going on with Ayling – thought he was back from his injury.. Surely he is better than Miguel at centre back.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 2:07 pm
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    Romelu Lukaku would not be ready for the prem this year. From what Ive seen of him, he lacks the technique to hold the ball up right now in the prem and really realise on his physical attributes but verse the big centerbacks in the prem it would not carry him as far.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 2:09 pm
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    The right side of that line up seems odd. A center back at right back and a cdm at right wing. Surely we can find a young right back out there.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 2:37 pm
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    I am glad Rhys Muprhy has signed a new contract hes a player i highly rate.

    I always expected him and Henri lansbury to break through before wilshere and gibbs.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 2:50 pm
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    just saw on AFC website that Sol has resigned, i clicked refresh and the article had gone replaced by a article about Sol being top 15 Arsenal player – a glich? an oversight?
    Very wierd – expect him to be announced soon i guess…..

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  • January 12, 2010 at 2:55 pm
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    seems rhys injury is not that bad at all!! he is a typical goal scorer exactly what we need for the future. wouldnt even mind for temporary situation to see saha on short term contract.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 3:04 pm
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    Rhys murphy signs long term contract, sweet!

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  • January 12, 2010 at 3:16 pm
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    people chill out, J. just said it’s a career threatening injury which it is. Wouldn’t you be sick of constant injuries, short streaks of games. I mean J. is the happiest of us all that he signed a new contract ;)

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  • January 12, 2010 at 3:20 pm
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    Joseph Akpala is linked. Remember i said it first

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  • January 12, 2010 at 3:58 pm
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    First wrong with Murphy, now wrong with Sol. Bad hairweek, Sanderson?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 4:01 pm
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    PPL arsenal arent showing the game cause Sol Campbell is playin. I cant believe it but i like the signing. Hes better than silvestre and senderos

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  • January 12, 2010 at 4:05 pm
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    sol campbell is in the reserves squad for tonight

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  • January 12, 2010 at 4:06 pm
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    to ron: why would we go after a nigerian player? isnt he on international duty?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 4:37 pm
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    sorry no cese but fran :)

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  • January 12, 2010 at 5:14 pm
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    :) told you J’s articles are a bit sensationalist, anyways will be interesting to see if sol plays tonight i hope he does.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 5:25 pm
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    SOL PLAYS WITH A VIEW TO A PERMANENT DEAL ITS ON ARSE.COM

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  • January 12, 2010 at 5:32 pm
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    TONIGHT’S RESERVE TEAM:

    1. Vito Mannone
    2. Kerrea Gilbert
    3. Thomas Cruise
    4. Craig Eastmond
    5. Kyle Bartley
    6. SOL CAMPBELL
    7. Mark Randall
    8. Fran Merida
    9. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
    10. Francis Coquelin
    11. Gilles Sunu

    SUBS:

    12. James Shea
    13. Luke Freeman
    14. Sead Hajrovic
    15. Cedric Evina
    16. Emmanuel Frimpong

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  • January 12, 2010 at 5:33 pm
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    I want us to get some players now. I dont care if they are 19 and cost less than 5 milion right now. Tho I woud like sissoko ( ps soz 4 the mispelling , its of of my ipod touch lolz

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  • January 12, 2010 at 5:34 pm
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    I hope this Campbell thing is for real, he’ll be a good solid backup for Gallas & TV (way better than Silvestre & Senderos IMO). He might be slower and weaker than he used to be in his prime, but yet his experience and height will give another edge to our defense. At least, he can be a great mentor for Bartley, Djourou & our other young CB.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 5:42 pm
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    I like the Campbell signing as long as Wenger count him as the transfer signing for this winter.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 5:44 pm
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    Well I don’t understand about ArsenalTVO why would they cancel the rest of the season if Sol signed and they don’t want to let the news slip for this one particular game?? Why would they call off the rest of the season?? It’s really stpid. There’s gotta be some other reason. I don’t know. I like the Sol signing by the way, except that he kinda left the club high and dry the last time he left. I forget but I thought it was his decision to leave. He left with a few years remaining on his contract for whatever reason…Could this possibly shift Vermaelen to the defensive midfield position temporarily?? I don’t know, it’s a tricky position to play because you are stuck out in no-man’s land and you really have to identify whom you should pressure and who to cover for. I mean he hasn’t had a lot of experience playing it I don’t think and it’s a lot different from centre half or fullback. But he’s a great player so i’m sure he could do it. Plus it would be fun to see him play there because he is such a great passer!!.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:00 pm
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    Can we actually field a player (in this case for a reserve game) that has not been officially signed by us? Coz I cant found any announcement on Campbell signing in the arsenal.com, maybe somebody hack the website.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:05 pm
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    Yah, you can even field a player that is on trial.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:09 pm
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    I actually believe Vermaelen has all the tools to be a great def mid. We all no he has the ball skils too, plus getting him closer to the goal where he can use that long power shot he has would be great. In the short while Song is gone I think it would be a great idea.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:11 pm
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    Ok, now we need a striker please…

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:16 pm
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    Is there any news on Lukaku & Lacina Traore?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:22 pm
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    Like most comments prior Sol man signing on a free is good news…for now. However with it surely being only a short term deal, and it very likely Senderous, Silvertre and maybe Gallas off in the summer we really need a long term partner for the exceptional TV – does anyone think Djourou or any young guns can be in the 1st XI 8 months from now?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:31 pm
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    Well, from all the young defenders we have, Song is the only one who really caught my eye. Djourou and Bartley are the closest players next to him IMO.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:39 pm
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    Yh i got the feeling vermaelen might play in midfield with campbell alongside gallas.

    BTW WHERE THE HELL IS LUKE AYLING? HES A PLAYER I REALLY LIKE IR ATE HIM HIGHER THAN BARTLEY BUT WHERE THE HELL HIS HE!!

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:41 pm
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    Good to Rhys has resigned today (well that’s what the papers are saying anyway), so the injury can’t be that bad after all cos I’m sure AW would have waited a while if it was looking long term…

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:42 pm
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    do you know where they wil be streamingtnites match????????????????

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:44 pm
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    I to have been quite impressed with Songs rare outings at CB – however I do think he is cementing a place at DM, and by moving him to CB to resolve one problem we then create another, as I doubt the likes of Eastmond or Coquelin will be ready for the best XI come next season.

    It looks to me that though we have some great young guns, we really need either a new CB or CDM for next season. Buying one now would be ideal…they can act as cover for the second part of this season in a push for silverware and gives them time to settle in the Arsenal way ready to take centre stage for 2010/11 campaign.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:49 pm
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    has anyone got a link where we can watch the reserves game V West Ham tonight? Really looking forward to seeing Sol play again :)

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:50 pm
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    Thought Nordtveit was the next big thing @ CB, mind you I have never seen him play or do you guys think he’s been farmed-out for good?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 6:55 pm
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    I see no sense in moving one of our players who is playing so well like Thomas Vermaelen…consistantcy is the key to any defence – changing what works by putting TV in CM would be silly. Especially based upon the mistakes Gallas has been making this season with the fact Sol man has been out of football for a few months and is at 35 going to be prone to the odd error! I see Sol man as cover, and maybe some outings in the FA Cup, and more importantly it now paves the way for Senderous to leave and we can make some cash on him before he leaves for free in the summer!!! (Why Wenger does not sell these players sooner is beyond me)

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:03 pm
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    Lee I have also heard great things about Nordtveit. But take this into consideration…Nordveit 19, Ayling 18, Bartley 18, does anyone really think these players are going to be up for being in the heart of Arsenal’s backline playing in the title race and the champions league within 8 months. And while Djourou will have likely gone backwards short term with his injury I would still only count him as a squad player until proved otherwise.

    I just hope AW is not counting on Gallas for another season with the likes of Silvestre and Campbell as cover, because I can promise you all this…that will not win the Prem!

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:04 pm
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    Well in that case I’d prefer a new CB rather than DM, a strong & tall CB who can hold off strong & powerfull strikers like Drogba & Zlatan. Since Campbell left us, we haven’t got anyone at the back who can shrugs off players the way he did (United have Vidic & Chelsea have Terry)

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:20 pm
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    did anyone see Adebiyor on sky news tonight? He was talking about the shooting on the Togo bus and wearing an ARSENAL T-Shirt!!!!!

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:20 pm
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    I’m not really sure about playing Nordveit as CB.If he is that good, Nürnberg wouldn’t have playing him as a DM right?! But the again, who knows with some guidance from TV, Gallas & Campbell he might turn out well as a CB…

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:21 pm
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    I’m not really sure about playing Nordveit as a CB.If he is that good, Nürnberg wouldn’t have playing him as a DM right?! But the again, who knows with some guidance from TV, Gallas & Campbell he might turn out well as a CB…

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:24 pm
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    Giandano…yes I certainly agree in our lack of strength. One could even go beyond Vidic and see Evans, and at Chelse they also have Alex.
    Thomas Vermaelen seems to be in the middle, fairly strong, good in the air, and fairly quick – a good all round defender who at 23 should get stronger in time. Plus he reads the game very well.

    I liked Hangeland, but he is probably a bit too old for the price required especially as he signed a new deal in the summer at Fulham.
    Upson would be an asset, but again possibly a bit too old for the £8-10m needed to sign him.
    Someone I’d like to see AW bring in would be Neven Subotic…plays in the German League, Arsenal have been linked a few times, could cost around £10m like TV did. Tall, needs to bulk up a bit, but a monster in the air, clears everything which is lofted in, and a big threat on corners, while can play the ball about a bit to. He plays CB with Vidic for Serbia sometimes.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:32 pm
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    Where is Sol Campell !? On arsenal.com it says he’s supposed to be staring this fixture.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:38 pm
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    To be honest, I have watched Nordveit about 3 times and he was not very impressive. He played DM. He was that guy that doesnt seem to put in one tackle the whole game. He always seemed to be late to break up attacks. It is no quincidence that Nurnberg brought in 2 def mids and 1 centerback this january.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:42 pm
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    I really think AW should try to play JET as a striker or at least a second striker, this kid really knows how to score..

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:44 pm
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    I have been watched about 6 of PSGs games this week and I have been really impressed with Mamadou Sakho. Very strong and athletic but is still a quality footballer. I am sure you guys have heard of him but he would be my choice. Or if you want a combination cb/cdm, I like Jan Vertonghen out of Ajax.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:54 pm
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    I saw Sakho in the Emirates Cup. He looks a seriously good prospect. He will sign this summer.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:56 pm
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    Shane, I can only bow-down to your knowledg on this one because As i say i not seen him play, but lets hope it’s because Nurnberg are just shit & they have brought Nordveit into Midfield because he’s their best ball player, oh as for his age I can remember a certain other CB comming in & making the position his own @ 18 (TA), shit i’m showing my age now lads!!!Shane, I can only bow-down to your knowledge on this one because As I say I have not seen him play, but lets hope it’s because Nurnberg are just shit & they have pushed Nordveit into Midfield because he’s their best ball player too, oh as for his age I can remember a certain other CB coming in & making the position his own @ 18 (TA), shit I’m showing my age now lads!!!

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:57 pm
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    Why are you so convinced Sakho will sign?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 7:58 pm
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    I dont know about Sakho plays since I never watch him play, but I’ve watched Jan Vertonghen plays for Ajax a couple of times & I’m not impressed with him. He looks average to me..

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:04 pm
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    Vertonghen also plays left back for the Belgien national team…well he did before they got their new coach. He has good ball control and is very calm. Also a heck of a long shot.

    I think he assumes we will sign Sakho because of the whole french connection.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:04 pm
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    He will sign because “Good to be a GOONAH!” saw him at the Emirates Cup :D

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:04 pm
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    Tasci is another fine young defender who has been linked to us. I’ve watched him play a couple of times & he looks pretty good to me.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:06 pm
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    you can watch our pedro play for celta vigo on sky sports 1

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:07 pm
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    Yeah Big Tony Adams – legend. However we can’t take the gamble one of the current crop of young guns will be the next Adams, so we should invest, and if they do ‘fantastic’. On that note I was shocked that Senderous was given the no.6 shirt – disgrace!!!

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:09 pm
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    Also here is a cheap suprising canidate that would be a typical Wenger signing. Souleymane Bamba from Hibernian in scotland. I saw him play in the touloloun youth tourney for Ivory Coast and he is currently starting for Ivory Coast along side Kolo Toure at the African cup of nations. He is 24 years old about 6 foot 4. Strong, good in the air.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:11 pm
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    I saw the first match with Celta vs Villareal. Pedro was the least impressive of all our loanies. Played left wing and didnt do much, but he was playing against villareal.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:12 pm
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    looks pretty basic so far, but has’nt really touched the ball

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:13 pm
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    Have the commentators mentioned that he’s our player and he’s there on loan? any flashes of brilliance?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:15 pm
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    I’ve only seen Sakho play twice in last year’sm uefa cup (europa league) whatever. It was in the first knockout round I think after the group stages. He wasw their best defender and he initiated a lot of their attacks as well. I’ve never seen Nordveit play, but Nurmberg brought in like two or three players to put Havard on the bench:( So I guess they weren’t impressed. Yeah I think we need another centre back. I agree with Gunner Guru who said that comsistencey is the key to a good defence, therefore moving TV into midfield would be counter productive, even though I was the first to mention it in this article lol. Still it would be fun to see how he would do, but it’s probably better to leave him where he is. I still think Johann Djourou can come good!! But we won’t find out till probably next year.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:15 pm
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    Shane I watched Toulon also totally agreed about Bamba, also who was the striker Cisse? won top scorer? AFC Reserves 2 to 1 right now. The JET with two, hello a start for the first team in front of Vela and Eduardo? I’m so pissed @ ATVO?

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:16 pm
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    Souleymane La Bamba? what a funny name..
    @The critic> 1-2, its a penalty taken by Sears.
    Too bad Sol Campbell is off..

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:19 pm
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    Cisse moved to Feyenoord and plays left winger mostly. He has been playing for the Ivory coast but I dont think he went with the squad…definetly didnt play yesterday.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:29 pm
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    who gave away the penalty??

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:32 pm
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    I’m sorry for Sendi because I rated him and thought when he gets to the team on regular basis he’ll be unstopable. Good luck to him.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:35 pm
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    Senderous just isnt ready for the pressure of a big club. He will be a good signing for a german club or even a russian club.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:35 pm
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    West Ham vs Arsenal all over again!

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:37 pm
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    its 3 to 2 our lead.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:40 pm
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    He only got 45 mins because its his first game back for a few months, but look how much more solid the defence was before he went off ;)

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:42 pm
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    lol, Well obviously he is going to be better then an 18 year old reserve kid.

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  • January 12, 2010 at 8:44 pm
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    @ a-dog, I don’t know, he was replace at half time.

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