Liverpool thoughts: Some positives on a very negative day.

Morning Gooners,

I've tried to leave this blog as late as possible so that I can attempt to hide my depression. Yesterday was our second league game of the season, however it felt like our title challenge depended on it and we were in mid April. The pressure that seems to be on every game at the moment is not healthy for fans or players and the really sad thing is I don't see it stopping any time soon.

I've sat back now and calmed a little and think I've managed to develop a fairer view of the Liverpool game. Although the result is hugely disappointing, as is any loss, the situation the club finds itself in at the moment is the cause of most fans concern. The uncertainty of our squad has become unbearable. Who will be leaving? Nasri and Bendtner both featured but both look likely to leave the club before September 1st. Who will be coming in? Will anyone be coming in? Thankfully we have only nine days left of the transfer window so for better or worse, we will at least know which players we'll be cheering on for the coming season.

Back to the game. There were negatives, we all know what they are and we all have our own opinions of what has caused them but here's my view on the Liverpool game alone.

Negatives:
* We lost!! (Obvious, but surely the biggest negative of all)
* Frimpong showed the result of inexperience can punish the whole team.
* We have another suspension to deal with.
* Koscielny is out for a week, by the look of him probably more (The guy couldn't even walk on his own)
*Complete lack of midfield creativity
* Arshavin, Walcott & RVP were almost non-existent

This will not be the only game we lose this year. The important thing is how you deal with that loss and that goes for fans as much as it does players. Yes Frimpong was the perfect example of inexperience and rashness  but players must go through these stages to learn  from them and under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, our young players like Frimpong will indeed learn from it and become better players from the experience. Frimpong's suspension leaves us with a massive gap on our team sheet for Sunday's game at Old Trafford but Wenger will deal with that problem next week.

Kos's injury looked very bad. His back began to spasm and the poor guy couldn't even walk unassisted down the tunnel. Wenger has said he expects him to be out "for the next two games" at least which is bad enough but on top of Djourou's hamstring and Squillaci's mystery injury that kept him out of the game we now go into the next week(s) with TV5 and Miquel as our only fit centre backs.

Our lack of creativity through midfield is my personal biggest worry at the moment. The responsibility being thrown upon Ramsey is coming too soon. He is not ready to  be our main midfield man, and the pressure coming with that expectation will do more harm than good in the long run. Wilshere will add quality when he returns and Rosicky can still do a job for the team. The only real resolution to this issue is reinforcement. AOC, Ryo and Frimpong will all be new aspects of our midfield this year but with not one of them 20 years old they cannot be expected to be the regular game changers that we need. The Nasri saga will end very soon one way or the other but if reports coming from France are to be believed then talks with Man City have hit problems and Nasri could yet still be an Arsenal player for the coming season. For what it is worth I thought he was excellent yesterday, his attitude was spot on and his hunger to help the team succeed was there for all to see, a big well done to the fans at Ashburton Grove too, the reception for Nasri was excellent and if he does stay it is good to know he will be supported just like every other Arsenal player.

Our front three's apparent absence from the game will not be the same in every game and had a lot to do with the void we had in midfield so unless it becomes a regular occurrence I will not get worked up about it just yet.

OK, enough negatives, now for some Positives I took from the game:

* Frimpong
* Vermaelen
* The teams defensive work rate
* Improvement on defending set pieces
* With 6 first team players missing, Liverpool still couldn't beat us with 11 men

Frimpong almost had a perfect game. Take away the silly first booking and the challenge that saw the 2nd yellow and Frimpong had a......... DEEEEENCH........ game (I still don't know what it means but I'm assuming it's good). He covered the defence brilliantly and added his own spark going forward and other than Van Persie's effort he came closest to providing an Arsenal goal. Alex Song took 3-4 years to convince us he could do the job but Frimpong has showed his class instantly, he did it in pre season last year but then spent the whole season injured and he has returned with the same quality and looks like an immense talent already.

Vermaelen showed us what we were missing last year. His performance yesterday was excellent, especially when controlling Andy Carroll on set pieces. To use a Wenger-ism, he really will be like having a new player in the squad. I would say that the defensive organisation looks better this year but simply saying it's there this season is enough and shows improvement on last season. Liverpool had an uncountable amount of set pieces during the 90 minutes but I can't think of one that we seemed to struggle with so that has to be seen as a positive thing.

Gibbs, Koscielny, Djourou, Song, Wilshere, Rosicky and Gervinho. 7 players that could be regular starters for us this year were all out of action whether it was because of suspension or injury. Which team can take 7 players out of their line up and still produce top quality football?

The biggest positive is that with all the problems we had today, players missing, transfer sagas, fan's discontent etc, etc we matched Liverpool for as long as we had 11 men on the pitch. Don't get me wrong, we never looked like the strongest team but we matched Liverpool throughout and at the end of the day, if you look at it sensibly, that is a positive thing to take away from the game.

Lets remember guys and girls, this is game 2 not game 32 of the season, there is a long way to go. Arsene knows we have to recruit and I'm sure they are doing what needs to be done behind the scenes to make things happen.  My message to you is simple, in the infamous words of Lance-Corporal Jones, Don't Panic! Wednesday will see us (please for the love of all that is holy) qualify for the Champions League proper which will mean a guaranteed cash influx for players but will also just lift a massive cloud of nerves from our team, then before you know it September 1st will be here and we can just concentrate on cracking on with the season until January when we need to put up with Man City making a £45m bid for Frimpong and Barcelona offering for £4.50 and a Curlywurly for Jack Wilshere.

Keep things positive Gooners, the team need us this year more than ever.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

Don't forget, for more ramblings you can follow me on twitter here: @goonerfishblog

Arsenal Vs Liverpool preview. Hands up, who wants a game?

Morning Gooners,

Today is a another huge day in our season. It's scary that we have already had so many 'huge days' for our club this season, we're only at the second league game and as fans we're already feeling the pressure that our season could live or die by our next fixture.

Udinese was a truly massive game for our club as our future in the Champions league depended on it. That challenge is still not over but the pressure the return leg comes with can wait just a few more days, today we have to concentrate on our first test against a big club - and yes Liverpool are still a big club.

We will welcome Liverpool to Ashburton Grove with a squad that would normally resemble a Carling Cup squad, through injuries and suspensions we are down to a bare minimum squad with little experience and the inevitability of more than one player playing outside of their natural/normal position. On top of this we will certainly be relying on the young additions to our squad that Arsene has brought in.

We will approach the game knowing that Gervinho will take no part thanks to his rash actions slapping Joey Barton around the face. We are also missing Alex Song thanks to his display of stupidity against Barton in the same game last weekend. Song is fundamental to our formation and the importance of his role deserves a cooler head. That cooler head for the next three games will have to be Emmanuel Frimpong. The youngster needs to step up to the plate and show he can challenge Song for the DM role in our line-up and when two of those three games are Liverpool and Manchester United there is no time for learning or growing into the role, he needs to hit the ground running and succeed immediately.

Injuries to our defence have already crippled us and we're only two games in. Gibbs looked set to begin establishing himself as our first choice left back until his injury curse struck again and he will be missing for the next few weeks. Traore was an easy replacement to choose as he's the only other left back we have at the club but it seemed Gibb's injury was contagious and Traore will join him on the sidelines. It would seem Wenger's next choice would be to have Kos and Djourou in the middle with Vermaelen on the left but as Djourou decided nine minutes was enough for him in midweek and proceeded to leave the pitch with a hamstring injury of his own Jenkinson looks likely to get his first Premier League start.

The other problem for Wenger's selection is the central midfield. As I said before, Frimpong will certainly be Song's replacement, Ramsey will continue to show his growth as he sits nicely in the middle of the park but with Wilshere and Rosicky both out the big question is who will complete the central trio?

Arsene Wenger has been very defensive of Samir Nasri in the build up to this game which could suggest that he's going to get one final appearance for the club before he parts for the cash bags of Man City. I really, really, really do not like the idea of that money grabber getting to wear the shirt I love for a single second unless it follows an announcement that he's signed a new four year contract and we all know that is highly unlikely.

The other option we have is to move Arshavin into the middle. The little Russian was quite vocal about playing in the 'Cesc' role when he came to the club and although it's a few years on today could be the perfect oppurtunity. He could produce plenty of creativity in the middle of the park but I do wonder if his final pass is good enough to pick out our attackers.

Today could be a fantastic opportunity for another youngster to make his impression on the league. Today could see either Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Ryo Miyaichi make their Arsenal debut, in fact I'd expect at least one of them to do so. I'm excited to see what the pair can bring to the team and with Ryo coming on with his pace, skill and trickery for the final 15-20 minutes against a tired defence we should have that fear that teams used to have playing us in the last quarter of a game back into them.

Here's my line-up:

                        Szczseny

Sagna - Vermaelen - Koscielny - Jenkinson

                        Frimpong

                  Ramsey - Arshavin

       Walcott            -              AOC

                            RVP(c)

That is just my guess and I actually have every suspicion that Nasri will start in the middle with Arshavin out wide but can't bring myself to put him in my own line up. Again if he starts after signing a new contract he will have my full support as a committed member of our squad but until that day comes I don't want him to wear the badge.

Liverpool have definitely had a more active summer than ourselves bringing in Henderson, Adam, Enrique and Downing in addition to Carroll and Suarez seeming to finally settle in they are in a much stronger position than ourselves and I find it hard to believe they come into this game as anything other than favourites to take all three points from us. Carroll will be a handful as always and our defence will have to control him to prevent him having the same effect at the Emirates as he did when Newcastle visited last year.

Last season this game ended 1-1 but for what it's worth I actually feel that we will win tomorrow. I think we will see a united front between our players, we will see players fighting for each other and a team that fight and battle together to put in a performance that will produce a gritty and well fought for victory.

I leave you now to enjoy the game as best as you can so at least for 90 minutes we can worry about something that isn't transfer related. Support the players we have, whoever they may be. Our team needs our support more than ever at the moment so it's our jobs as fans to do our bit and make Liverpool wish they hadn't bothered make the trip to Ashburton Grove, raise the roof Gooners.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

Post Newcastle Thoughts:Good signs but more to do.

Morning Gooners,


So here we are, the 2011/12 season has finally started. We kicked off our season with an overall disappointing result at St James Park drawing 0-0 with the Toon Army.

Those that have read my stuff before know I'm not going to go over the match minute by minute, there's enough reports on the internet. What I will do is share what I have learnt from the match and invite you to do the same.

I thought we started the game quite well and created a couple of chances early on and considering RVP and Gervinho are still forming their partnership I'm quite excited about what the future holds when they finally click completely. However, as the match carried on it was obvious that we lacked that final cutting edge, that little spark that would normally be provided by Cesc or Nasri or Wilshere. Rosciky and Ramsey are capable but weren't able to produce the goods on enough occasions for one to matter.

RVP still didn't look sharp enough for me. His normally perfect first touch was often off and on a couple of occasions he was put through and he couldn't get the ball under control quickly enough to get a shot away. The sharpness will come with games but for me the team as a whole just don't look ready.

Our normal attacking fluidity was missing yesterday but the work Wenger and his team have done over the summer with the defence was evident for all to see. We looked pretty solid at the back. TV5 and Kos seem to have a great understanding between them and Song worked hard helping out at the back but more importantly stopping Newcastle getting that far in the first place. Particular mention should go to Keiran Gibbs. Left back is a position that many fans - including myself - have hoped would be reinforced over the summer as the general feeling was that Gibbs is not ready to be a regular starter. I will be the first to admit that Gibbs has impressed me over pre season and he continued to do so at Newcastle. I think he has earned the chance to show his worth, I just hope he manages to stay fit.

Of course the main talking point of the match is Gervinho's rash decision to do what 90% of the UK's population would love to have the chance to do and slap Joey Barton across the face. Gervinho worked his way into the box and was clipped and as a result went down. Barton seemed to take offence to this and proceeded to lift Gervinho from the ground by his throat, a bit of handbags followed among half a dozen players which ended in Gervinho raising his hands and clipping Barton round the ear. Joey Barton then decided the contact was enough to hit the floor like a sack of spuds and Gervinho was finally given his marching orders.

The irony of Barton reacting so angrily to Gervinho making the most of contact only to do exactly the same thing himself 2 minutes later will be lost on the player himself. Gervinho raised his hands to an opponent's face so deserved to go but Barton's reaction is laughable.

Earlier in the match Song gave a sly stamp onto Bartons's leg while he was on the floor and should also have been sent off leaving us with 9 men at the finish but we ended the game with 10 which is a shame in itself because 11 on 11 for the remainder of that match and the way Newcastle were tiring, we would've had enough to grab a late goal and the win.

Afterthe game Wenger gave credit to the team saying:

"I thought we had a solid performance and were in control.

They organised not to concede goals, defended well and it was very difficult for us because we played a team who was highly focused to defend.

We missed something, the regret is that we missed something in the final third and in the speed of our passing. But, overall, we had a good performance."

I have to say that's a fair assessment of the performance. Our game will improve and overall a point at St James Park is not a bad result especially when you consider the uncertainness among our squad at the moment with the Nasregas Saga still not ending and players still as unsure about who they will be playing along side this year as we are. Yesterday also showed that reinforcements are more important than ever as the youth and inexperience of top level football on our bench was worrying and will not be enough to challenge on all fronts.

Attention now needs to be turned to Tuesday night which is a much bigger game for our season than yesterday was. A win is a must as is another good performance from our defence. Champions league football is essential to Arsenal staying among the top teams in England so not qualifying is unthinkable.

I'm off to get ready for the return of Sky's Super Sunday and suggest you do the same. Football is back people, lets enjoy it.

Till next time,
Goonerfish

Don't forget, you can follow me on twitter for more ramblings throughout the day here: @goonerfishblog

Three weeks to define Arsenal Football Club

Morning Gooners.

Welcome to what is arguably the most important 3 weeks in Arsenal's modern history.

Reports are leading us to believe that we will see both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas part ways with our great club within a matter of days for fees of around £36m and £22m.

This, in my opinion is the best thing for the club at this moment and in our particular situation, by which I mean Cesc's love for Barca and the inevitability that he will play his football there in the future. He can never show full commitment to Arsenal football club as a captain should and as a result we will never see the best of Fabregas in an Arsenal shirt. The money is still well below his true worth but some would argue that the extra €10m is worth sacrificing just to end a saga that has already lasted far too long. Plus, if we play hardball with Barca and meet half way with €5m added to the price on August 31st we would have no time to finalise a deal for any replacement and that would be simply unforgivable. We all knew Cesc would leave us for Barca and I truly believe now is the time it must happen.


Samir Nasri looks likely to be staying closer to home. Man City have reportedly agreed terms with the player for around £180'000 a week (not of course that he's moving for money reasons) and the clubs have virtually agreed a fee in the region of £22m.
Nasri has played at the Emirates for 3 years now and he has produced 1 half of a quality season for us, I'll repeat that, 1 half of a quality season. Nasri is another example of an over-egged ego that believes he is far more valuable than he actually is. @DarrenArsenal1 summed it up perfectly with his tweet this morning

"Nasri will be regarded as a footnote in #arsenal history, a very small footnote at that."

I am not going to go into my ever growing disliking of Samir Nasri or his unbelievably low levels of professionalism as at this moment in time he is still an Arsenal player and I will not slag off an Arsenal player to that extent while he is still wearing the shirt......... I'll wait till he leaves.

These two incidents can not be what defines Arsenal's summer although many will struggle to see past it. The real thing that will not only define our summer trading but also begin to define Arsenal FC as a whole will be what we do with the £60m we receive for the pair. This money must be invested in quality replacements, not players that can grow into world beaters, we need players that can do the job now.

Further reports are coming from Spain that Arsenal have agreed a deal with player and club for Valencia star Juan Mata. he will likely cost around the same amount that we will sell Nasri for and will be a good statement for the way wants to move forward. A world cup winner, only just I admit, but the experience of being part of that Spain squad is something only Cesc has in our current set up, and of course Spain U21 captain. He has many qualities that will move us forward and as is the same with any player coming in he will be hungry and eager to impress and succeed.

That will still leave over £30m to spend on new recruits and the squad really needs them. I would hope for another world class addition but expect a couple more squad fillers to come in including the CB fans are screaming for.

I claimed at the beginning that the next three weeks could be the most important in recent history and that claim is not restricted to player movement. By the end of August we will have played Newcastle, Liverpool and Man Utd in the league. These are all games that given our current circumstances we could possibly lose. In my own view, anything less than 6/7 points from those games could have a dreadful long term effect on the team. Also lets not forget by the end of August we will know if we are playing in the Champions league or not, so far this has been Wenger's and the Arsenal boards final say in almost any argument, how may times have we heard "we always qualify for the champions league"? Are Arsenal still a top European club? If we are not in the Champions league then you must surely answer that question no.

If we are not among Europe's elite then the top class players we need will definitely not come, then we have the additional problem of the sudden fall in revenue which despite what the board say will damage us more than anyone understands. These problems, Reputation, Lack of appeal, lack of funds, lack of confidence, seeming lack of ambition could shape the way Arsenal Football Club exists over the coming years.

However, despite all the negativity that is around, if we get the 7 points I think we can from our opening games and sail through to the Champions League proper as we should, sign Mata and revel in the rise of Aaron Ramsey, Enjoy Gervinho scoring 20 goals this year and RVP staying fit all year and hitting 30, we will challenge for every competition we are in and after our first trophy win we will continue to win more and Arsenal will once again be known across the globe as a successful, ambitious, top quality club that rightfully sits among Europe's elite.

By the time September 1st 2011 arrives, we will all have gone through a multitude of emotions but we will know where we stand in world football and we can just get on with it and I think the one point that every Arsenal fan can agree on is that we just want the window to be over and just get on with it.

Hold on to your hats Gooners, it's going to be a mental 3 weeks.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.

Welcome Alex Chamberlain & Transfer movement heats up.

Morning Gooners,


What a day yesterday turned out to be.

There's only one place to start and that is the arrival of our newest Gunner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Reports started late morning that AOC had arrived at London Colney for a medical ahead of a move. A transfer rumour that was floating about the whole of last summer, then again in January and has even been thrown about in hope a couple of times already this summer but the speed of the deal actually being completed took me by complete surprise. You only need to look at the deals for Nasri, Arshavin and even Gervinho to see how long the press circulates it before the player signs on the dotted line and we see an announcement on Arsenal.com but the deal today went from speculation of a medical to pictures online of AOC within a matter of hours. Maybe it was because other big clubs were sniffing so we knew if we stalled as normal then we'd lose out again but honestly, I don't care. We asked for signings and yesterday we got our third of the summer.

Oxlade Chamberlain made 41 appearances for Southampton last season in all competitions scoring 11 goals and creating another 9. He played on the right hand side as an attacking midfielder last season and is capable of playing that role on either side but in his first interview for Arsenal Player has confessed he prefers a central role (I swear I've heard that somewhere before). AOC's performances last year helped Southampton earn promotion to the Championship and earned him a place in the 2010/11 PFA League one team of the year. He signed of his Southampton career with his final goal for the Saints and hopefully we won't be waiting too long before we have to fit Alex's extended surname into a song to sing after his first Arsenal goal.

For a team that only a few years ago were criticised and accused for being the sole reason for the destruction of English football, we now have a potential world beating BRITISH midfield with Jack, AOC, Theo, Frimpong and Ramsey

Welcome to Arsenal Alex, you are most welcome.

Many expect Chamberlain's arrival to mark the beginning of  a busy week in the transfer market for Arsenal Football Club with players coming in and going out, we still don't know what our squad will look like by the time we travel to St James Park on Saturday evening. We are still actively seeking a central defender and the transfer of Joel Campbell seems to be almost completed, once he returns from the U20 championships we should soon see his face on the pages of Arsenal.com.

I mentioned before that the movement will be both in and out. Nicklas Bendtner has reportedly agreed terms with several unnamed clubs and is now just waiting for Arsenal to sanction a move. Bendtner must have agreed to a pay cut wherever it is he's going as no other club would be willing to match his current high wages but it seems that playing week in, week out is top of his agenda. I have always said, and indeed continue to say that Bendtner is a very good striker (not quite as good as he thinks he is but still very good) but his style has never matched Arsenal's. I maintain that if Bendtner joins a club that plays a strict 4-4-2 with an attacking flow to match his own qualities he will do very well and will become the 20-25 goal a season striker we all hoped he would prove to be in an Arsenal shirt.

When asked about his future Bendtner said:

“I would like to play at a place where you are happy and play every week, that is the most important thing for any football player and hopefully that will happen soon.”

However when he was asked if Stoke city was a possible destination he showed why we love him by simply laughing. He then added:

 “I can’t say anything about who I have been speaking to, but hopefully it will all get sorted out soon.”

I doubt Arsene will allow him to move on until a suitable replacement is secured especially as Chamakh can't find his form for love or money and in all honesty I will be sorry to see him go but he will not be first choice if Van Persie is fit so for his career, a move away is the only option.

Arsenal also expect a bid from Mancherster City of about £22m for Samir Nasri before the season starts and it's looking more likely that we will accept it. In all honesty, that amount of money for a player who in fairness has only had half a decent season in England is a good deal and will continue Citeh's habit of paying us well over the odds for players who go on to achieve nothing with them.

Nasri's departure will be unfortunate and again, he's a player I would like to see stay and develop at Arsenal but we have players that will replace him and Arsenal will carry on. Nasri's sale could well fund a move for a player such as Mata and I for one would much rather have a player that wants to be in an Arsenal shirt than a player who is looking forward to moving away next year.

That last thought links me nicely on to our 'captain' Cesc Fabregas. before I go back into this whole saga lets look at the facts.

1) Cesc wants to play for Barcelona.
2) Barcelona would like Cesc to play for them.
3) Barcelona do not need Cesc.
4) Arsenal do not need the money.
5)Barcelona will not pay the money

Unless Barcelona pull their finger out and show some real intent then Cesc Fabregas will be an Arsenal player next season. Until that happens or not for certain I will avoid the arguments of Cesc's continued captaincy of our beloved club but just for a second imagine this side lining up next season:
           
              Szczesny
Sagna - Kos - Vermaelen - Gibbs
                  Song
           Cesc - Wilshere
Walcott        -                Gervinho
                 RVP

Subs: Fabianski, Arshavin, Ramsey, AOC, Jenkinson/Djourou, Rosicky (with his newly found hunger), Chamakh

That is a team that is capable of winning trophies. If Cesc is part of our team next year his service to Walcott and especially Gervinho combined with RVP's link up play will be a sight that any team in Europe will fear. That team will also be a result of a very successful summer inn the transfer market. Add in to this equation another CB and another striker then we could even survive a couple of injuries as long as they are not TV5 type injuries that knock someone out for the entire season.

Of course, by the time this is published Barca could have announced that they will match our asking price and Cesc is on his way, in that case we just have to hope that Arsene will use any funds raised to bring in a suitable replacement and by that I mean a player that IS world class, not WILL be world class.

My final word is aimed at fans that read about Alex Chamberlain's signing yesterday and responded with moans and complaints that he wasn't a big enough name or he isn't world class or he's not a centre back.
Relax. Calm down and enjoy the fact that we have added another player to our squad that will add depth and ability to our club. We have signed someone, enjoy it. It all comes down to one fact, it doesn't matter who wears the shirt, I, you, we support Arsenal Football Club and will welcome anyone into our superb family with open arms.

On a personal note, anyone reading this in London or other effected areas please stay safe within this madness. It's times like these that football becomes insignificant within the greater picture. Take care of those close to you and hopefully this insanity will soon be over.

Till next time,
Goonerfish

Welcome home Henry & what has the Emirates Cup taught us?

Morning Gooners,

Like many Gooners yesterday was my first trip to Ashburton Grove of the season and I have to say the atmosphere was great. On a personal note I left my bag contain my car keys, recent Arsenal purchase and my Motorola Xoom in the cafe and had to run back and get it and then showing how well I learn from my mistakes I left it in the pub we were enjoying a few beverages in afterwards. Luckily it was still there after I sprinted back down Gillespie Road to get it so I could in fact enjoy my day.

I took my seat and started to watch PSG destroy a very lazy Boca Jrs like we should have on Saturday but no one really cares about that so I'll move on quickly

Our new number one, well number 13 technically but you know what I mean, was first out of the tunnel. He jogged over to his training goal to wonderful applause and then we saw NY Red Bulls come out, the crowd were almost silent as they waited for the arrival of some french bloke who was apparently quite good in his day. I said to the guy next to me I bet Thierry is just stood in the tunnel so he can come out on his own and just as I said it Mr Henry jogged out onto the Emirates pitch and the crowd erupted and choruses of 'Thierry Henry, Thierry Henry' echoed through the ground for the duration of the game. It was a fantastic reception for a true Arsenal great and a wonderful welcome home. The crowds reaction was so good in fact most people didn't even realise that the rest of our boys had come out to join Szczseny. 

The game got underway and songs that went into hiding at the end of last season were being belted out by the Arsenal faithful and it was at that point I knew the football season is back!
I'll skip over the result of the tournament because it was only a friendly so although it would have been good to win it, the trophy in all honesty doesn't really mean anything (do i sound convincing?) and besides it was only fitting that on his trip home we let Henry lift the cup and as the referee supposedly refused Henry's request to put on an Arsenal shirt for the second half that meant NYRB had to win it. (For those that don't know and want to, we drew 1-1 after letting another lead slip with some silly defending which meant NYRB won the cup with 4 points.)

Its about now that people try to work out who will shine through the coming season and the Emirates Cup is a great place to judge that. There were two players that were head and shoulders above the rest today that was the unlikely combo of Thomas Rosicky and Benik Afobe. TR7 moved central after Wilshere was taken off after 5 minutes and absolutely ran the show. His movement, passing range and decision making was spot on throughout and if he gets the chance to replicate his performance in the league then he will have a very good year. Afobe is a player I have heard mentioned a lot by those that watch our youth system closely such as YoungGuns Blog but never really seen that much of. He came on for Wilshere and was moved out wide, mainly on the right hand side. He looked at home with the rest of the team, held his own against the opposition and showed he was there to perform not just be the token youngster in the side. Dare I say it but he impressed me almost as much as Jack Wilshere did when he I first saw him against Rangers a few years back.

Everyone else played there part and there were more positives to take. Keiran Gibbs was solid. He tackled well, judged when to step forward for the intercept well and as always, joined in with the attacking movement of the team really well. Gervinho looks more exciting every time I see him play, at £11m he surely must turn out to be one of the best buys of the summer. Our first choice back four played together for the first time and looked good for the majority. Players like RVP and Ramsey looked really hungry for the ball and the team seem to have remembered how to close the opposition down all over the pitch.

However, (you knew that was coming didn't you) there are still some glaring issues that don't seem to have been fixed over the summer. Both goals Saturday came from silly defending and yesterday we again failed to keep a lead and late on in the game we were cut through like a hot knife through butter as we conceded another needless goal. This needs to be fixed very, very urgently. Concentration needs to be kept for every minute of the game by every player on the pitch, if it isn't we will again find ourselves losing valuable points because of stupid mistakes. Is the addition of another centre back the answer? I don't know but Wenger has just under two weeks to find the answer before we travel to Newcastle. The memory of our last visit to St James Park should give AW all the motivation he needs to get it sorted.

The other point I noticed was that outside of our starting XI and maybe a couple of others we severely lack creativity. If we are hit by our usual injury crisis we will struggle to find the goals we need to push on and win games and challenge for that long overdue title. If the press is to be believed then Wenger is doing his best to sort out this issue starting with the seemingly immanent arrival of Juan Mata from Valencia in a deal worth a reported €22m. On top of Mata's arrival it's also still to be seen if Fabregas or Nasri will be with us next year so at the moment we have a few rays of light that will hopefully help the worry of this particular issue.

We have just one more friendly to get through before the proper stuff starts and by then I hope we will have an end result to the Nasregas saga and have a couple of fresh faces modelling their new Arsenal shirt.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.