Saturday, 1 August 2009

First day at the Emirates Cup!

The Inaugural Emirates cup kicked off today. The first match saw Rangers beat Paris St Germain 1-o. The main even saw Arsenal beat a strong Atletico Madrid team 2-1.

http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/0809/post/first-team/arsenal-2-1-atletico-madrid-match-report?tab=report

The major talking point today was the performance of Jack Wilshere. He only came on at half time but managed to bag the man of the match award. He was at the heart of all that was good about Arsenal in the second half. He turned his full back inside out throughout and looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. Wilshere certainly has a massive future in front of him and I’m excited at the prospect of watching him mature into a world class player in the coming years. Arshavin scored both Arsenal goals today including an audacious finish for the winner, he will play a massive part in any success we will have this season. I’m actually genuinely excited about our attacking options this season.

We looked very fluid and threatening going forward and could have scored at least five goals but I must admit our concentration and authority at the back was a real worry. We don't look to have learnt the lessons of last season. We were so open it was scary and their goal minutes after we scored was down to a lack of communication and concentration. Seems like Groundhog Day. Mannone looked terrified of the ball and did his best to gift Atletico a goal with an almost calamitous error. He will never be an Arsenal standard keeper. The young Pole Wojciech Szczesny looks a much better prospect. I'd loan Mannone out to a lower league club straight away. I feel sorry for the kid he's only played five or six first team games and is nowhere near ready for first team football at a club like Arsenal. I think he needs to go to a Legue One club and get some minutes.

It looks as though Big Phil is on the way.

http://www.oleole.com/blogs/arseblog/posts/philippe-senderos-signs-for-everton

I like Phil, I always have and I think one day he's going to develop into a top centre back. I know he's made numerous mistakes over the years for us but honestly how many centre backs of his age haven't? Once he fully matures he could develop into a very solid defender. I guess it’s our loss. Good luck with the toffees Phil.

Rumoured Arsenal target Daniele De Rossi has shot down any links to us.

http://www.teletext.co.uk/football/news/7b7fb2f5ef3b9cdd68eb56d4ea0ead06/De+Rossi+No+Gunners+interest.aspx

That's that one over with then, thought it smelt of something.

There’s a good read in the Guardian from Amy Lawrence, well worth a quick glance.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/01/arsenal-atletico-madrid-arsene-wenger

More tomorrow when we are basking in the glory of being Emirates cup champions.

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