Arsenal were booed by their own fans after letting another lead slip to surrender the Emirates Cup to New York Red Bulls.
The response of the 60,000 inside the Emirates Stadium did not bode well for the new season, with the Gunners doing nothing to prove they had cured the frailties which caused their supporters so much suffering last term.
As in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors, who they had led 2-0, Arsenal were unable to close out a game they had dominated, with substitute Kyle Bartley putting through his own net six minutes from time resulting in a 1-1 draw.
That was after Robin van Persie had put the tournament hosts on course for a fourth Emirates Cup success out of five when he nodded home shortly before half-time.
While defensive errors cost the Gunners against Boca, this time it was their all-too-familiar wastefulness in front of goal as they missed numerous chances to kill the game.
Manager Arsene Wenger retained only four of the starting XI who played 24 hours earlier and was clearly not prepared to take any chances with the quartet, withdrawing Jack Wilshere after just seven minutes after the midfielder picked up an slight ankle knock.
The Red Bulls made just four changes from the side which surprised Paris St Germain. One of the them was Thierry Henry, who was treated to a hero's welcome on his return to the Emirates.
The Gunners' all-time top scorer took just seven minutes to make an impact, screwing a low shot wide.
Arsenal were in control otherwise, although they were guilty of their perennial crime of trying to walk the ball in when a Carlos Mendes tackle denied Aaron Ramsey.
Wilshere's replacement Benik Afobe had slotted in well on the right and almost had a goal to celebrate when he brought down Bacary Sagna's cross and forced a sprawling save from Frank Rost.
Moments later, Rost produced an even better stop one-on-one with Ramsey, who had been wrongly flagged offside anyway.
After Henry's free-kick forced an acrobatic save from Wojciech Szczesny, Ramsey missed a glorious chance to put Arsenal ahead, blazing over after superb trickery from Van Persie caused chaos in the visitors' box.
The penalty area also witnessed what appeared to be a dive from Gunners new boy Gervinho, who went down far too easily when Chris Albright slid in from behind after gifting the ball to the Ivorian.
The Emirates was virtually full but those inside suggested they were not getting their money's worth by starting a Mexican wave shortly before the break.
They were on their feet for the right reasons three minutes before half-time, Tomas Rosicky's straight free-kick flighted perfectly for Van Persie to nod home past a stranded Rost.
Gervinho should have made it 2-0 moments later, bursting onto Rosicky's through-ball but shooting too close to the goalkeeper.
Van Persie also wasted another chance immediately after the restart, electing to square the ball when he should have shot.
He was then denied an easy finish by a brilliant sliding interception by former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez after brilliant skill down the left by Afobe.
Van Persie and Gervinho combined to force another stop from Rost before they were replaced by Marouane Chamakh and Carlos Vela for the final 25 minutes.
Arsenal's habit of tossing away leads had resurfaced on Saturday and they were almost caught on the break today when Henry sent a trademark sidefoot effort too close to Szczesny.
And after a swathe of substitutions, they failed to heed the warning as the Red Bulls snatched an unlikely draw.
Henry was the inspiration, threading in substitute Juan Agudelo, and Agudelo's cross was turned into his own net by Bartley.
Source: ESPN Soccernet on 31 Jul 11
Showing posts with label Emirates Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emirates Cup. Show all posts
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wenger's reaction to the Arsenal 1-1 New York Red Bulls match
They say great clubs never die and it looks like great players never die. Thierry has shown us today that he is still top quality with his feet and with his head. With his head, I knew [he is still top quality], but with his feet I wasn’t sure. He still has good physical potential and has prepared exceptionally well for this game. I am very happy to have seen him today and he played a good game.
on Arsenal’s performance…
It was a bit frustrating that it was only forwards against defence. They played very deep and didn’t come out. But it’s part of the game. I felt we looked quite stable as long as we were not making any disturbances in our organisation. The final 20 minutes were a bit like yesterday, you could see the continuity in our game went. Overall, I am very happy with the two days because we were confronted with two teams who were very committed, very physical and very strong defensively. We were tested. On both days, we played very well for an hour. We have nothing more to offer at the moment. Hopefully that will change in the next two weeks.
on Jack Wilshere’s injury…
It is not very serious. They say he might be out for the whole of next week because he has an ankle inflammation. But he has not torn anything. He is a quick healer usually and a tough boy so I hope he will be quicker than the medical predictions. The England game is on August 10 and I don’t know [whether he will be available]. They told me he might be out next week. If he is out next week, he will not play against Benfica so he will certainly not play for England.
on the performance of Vermaelen and Koscielny….
I felt the two centre backs were very good, in my opinion, and played very well. I am quite happy with the performance of the centre backs. If you look at the goal we conceded today, I don’t think it comes from the centre backs.
on whether he will sign a central defender this summer…
We try to strengthen the squad. I have no name to offer today.
on competing with Chelsea, Man United and Man City…
They have huge resources, we know that. We know we have to compete with people who have more resources than us, I’ve spoken 50 times about that. But I cannot change that.
on what the result tells us…
I don’t think you can compare friendly games. They played in the final third today. We weren’t playing in the championship where you have to win games. It’s not the same. Today they just had to keep it tight at the back and wait for their chances. They did very well but when you go into your championship and you are expected to make the game, to take the initiative, it becomes a different game.
on whether Cesc will be back in training…
I have nothing to add on that. I spoke about Cesc yesterday.
on a surprise for Thierry…
The surprise was that we wanted to him to play in the last five minutes for us. He was desperate to do it, but the referees stubbornly turned it down. I went in to see the referee at half time to ask him to allow him to play for us but they told us that the rules are absolutely, adamantly against it because one given player cannot play for two teams in the same game. That was the surprise! It would have been before [he supplied the pass that led to the equaliser.]
on the prospect Ryo Miyaichi gets called into his Under-22 team…
We have now in football the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20, Under-21, Under-22… soon we will create the Under-60 and we’ll have to let the players go. I think at some stage the clubs should be within in their rights to use their players because these competitions are organised when the season is already started. I think we have to become serious.
Players under 20? You take our midfield from yesterday. Frimpong is 19, Ramsey is 20, and Wilshere is 19. They can now play in the World Cup Under-20, so we could be in a situation where we could lose our players and cannot even field our midfield. That’s where people inside the clubs raise questions about how we can continue to give a chance to young players if during the season they go away with the national teams.
on his plan for Miyaichi…
My plan is to get a work permit for him and to put him on the pitch for Arsenal Football Club.
Source: Arsenal.com on 31 Jul 11
31 July 2011: Arsenal 1-1 New York Red Bulls, Emirates Stadium
It took him a while but Thierry Henry has finally got his hands on a trophy at Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal legend only spent a year at the Club’s new home before leaving for Barcelona in 2007 but he was back on Sunday in the colours of the New York Red Bulls to lift the Emirates Cup.
Robin van Persie’s first-half header seemed sufficient to keep the silverware in north London but a late own goal from the unfortunate Kyle Bartley scuppered home hopes as Arsenal paid for their profligacy.
Typically, Henry was the catalyst for the decisive goal and no one will begrudge him this moment of glory. The Frenchman received a rapturous reception on his return and, while his pace is not so frightening now, he retains the vision and eye for goal that made him the Club’s record goalscorer before his departure in 2007.
Indeed, only the agility of Wojciech Szczesny denied Henry a dream return: the Pole was at full stretch to push aside a trademark free kick.
Arsène Wenger, of course, will be more concerned about his team’s preparations for the new season. They look sharp enough but there was one scare when Jack Wilshere left the field to nurse a minor ankle injury.
For once the most notable name on the teamsheet was not an Arsenal player but, for the record, Wenger did make seven changes from the side that started Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors.
Szczesny, Bcary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen, Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Song and Kieran Gibbs all started as their manager fielded what looked suspiciously like the team that could start at Newcastle on August 13 – give or take a couple.
Henry provided a few glimpses of magic in the early stages – one cute backheel foxed Arsenal’s back four and an instant turn and shot had Szczesny scrambling to his right – but the hosts were soon into their stride.
Wilshere’s early departure furrowed a few brows but Rosicky dropped into midfield and pulled the strings alongside Ramsey while Benik Afobe got his first chance to impress the Emirates crowd. The teenager, back from a successful loan spell at Huddersfield, showed pace and persistence on his home debut.
The Red Bulls crowded the midfield, planting two men in front of their back four, so Arsenal looked to the flanks to do some damage. Gibbs got forward on the left but most of the early chances were sparked by Sagna.
Laurent Koscielny headed the right back’s cross high and wide after 15 minutes and another well-judged delivery was brought down by Afobe before goalkeeper Frank Rost came out to block.
Ramsey got into a scoring position moments later but tried to pick out Gervinho when he should have gone for goal, then Van Persie dummied past two markers before unleashing a shot that lacked his usual power.
It was all Arsenal by now and the Red Bulls were indebted to Rost for keeping their goal intact. He came out to smother after Ramsey was put clear by Van Persie – although an offside flag was raised – and Rosicky was the next to test Rost from the edge of the box.
The MLS side did venture forward to earn a free kick 20 yards out that Henry was never going to relinquish. He curled the ball towards the corner – as we’ve seen so many times – but Szczesny was equal to it. Some home fans were disappointed: ‘Let him score, let him score, let him score!’ they chanted.
Back down the other end Arsenal had two decent penalty shouts turned down: Van Persie was blocked off as he tried to get between two defenders and Gervinho was clipped after outstripping the last man. Nothing doing.
You could tell this was a better game than Saturday’s – the first Mexican wave came ten minutes later. Unlike Saturday it wasn’t cut short by an Arsenal goal but the deadlock was eventually broken three minutes before half time.
It could not have been simpler: Rosicky clipped a free kick into the six-yard box and Van Persie ran clear of the defence to plant a header past Rost.
It should have been two within a minute. Rosicky’s inch-perfect pass released Gervinho and his touch took the ball away from a defender but Rost was alert and made another timely block.
The second half brought more of the same.
Van Persie curled one effort just over the bar and almost converted Afobe’s cut-back after the teenager’s pace had taken him past a defender to the byline.
Gervinho got into a similar position moments later and Rost was forced to concede a corner, but generally speaking Arsenal’s final ball was slightly out of sorts. That will hopefully come good when the serious business starts.
Henry still fancied a goal and his first-time shot tested Szczesny with 20 minutes left, but the smart money was on Rost being beaten again. Song blazed a long-distance effort well over the bar and substitute Emmanuel Eboue shot wide as the clock ticked down.
But in the end Arsenal paid for their wastefulness when Henry sliced open their back four with a perfect pass for Roy Miller and his cut-back was diverted into the roof of the net by Bartley.
It was harsh on the young centre back but Henry was happy enough and the old master lifted the Emirates Cup as his old fans gave him one final ovation.
It was Thierry's day; let’s hope it’s Arsenal’s season.
Source: Chris Harris, Arsenal.com on 31 Jul 11
The Arsenal legend only spent a year at the Club’s new home before leaving for Barcelona in 2007 but he was back on Sunday in the colours of the New York Red Bulls to lift the Emirates Cup.
Robin van Persie’s first-half header seemed sufficient to keep the silverware in north London but a late own goal from the unfortunate Kyle Bartley scuppered home hopes as Arsenal paid for their profligacy.
Typically, Henry was the catalyst for the decisive goal and no one will begrudge him this moment of glory. The Frenchman received a rapturous reception on his return and, while his pace is not so frightening now, he retains the vision and eye for goal that made him the Club’s record goalscorer before his departure in 2007.
Indeed, only the agility of Wojciech Szczesny denied Henry a dream return: the Pole was at full stretch to push aside a trademark free kick.
Arsène Wenger, of course, will be more concerned about his team’s preparations for the new season. They look sharp enough but there was one scare when Jack Wilshere left the field to nurse a minor ankle injury.
For once the most notable name on the teamsheet was not an Arsenal player but, for the record, Wenger did make seven changes from the side that started Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors.
Szczesny, Bcary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen, Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Song and Kieran Gibbs all started as their manager fielded what looked suspiciously like the team that could start at Newcastle on August 13 – give or take a couple.
Henry provided a few glimpses of magic in the early stages – one cute backheel foxed Arsenal’s back four and an instant turn and shot had Szczesny scrambling to his right – but the hosts were soon into their stride.
Wilshere’s early departure furrowed a few brows but Rosicky dropped into midfield and pulled the strings alongside Ramsey while Benik Afobe got his first chance to impress the Emirates crowd. The teenager, back from a successful loan spell at Huddersfield, showed pace and persistence on his home debut.
The Red Bulls crowded the midfield, planting two men in front of their back four, so Arsenal looked to the flanks to do some damage. Gibbs got forward on the left but most of the early chances were sparked by Sagna.
Laurent Koscielny headed the right back’s cross high and wide after 15 minutes and another well-judged delivery was brought down by Afobe before goalkeeper Frank Rost came out to block.
Ramsey got into a scoring position moments later but tried to pick out Gervinho when he should have gone for goal, then Van Persie dummied past two markers before unleashing a shot that lacked his usual power.
It was all Arsenal by now and the Red Bulls were indebted to Rost for keeping their goal intact. He came out to smother after Ramsey was put clear by Van Persie – although an offside flag was raised – and Rosicky was the next to test Rost from the edge of the box.
The MLS side did venture forward to earn a free kick 20 yards out that Henry was never going to relinquish. He curled the ball towards the corner – as we’ve seen so many times – but Szczesny was equal to it. Some home fans were disappointed: ‘Let him score, let him score, let him score!’ they chanted.
Back down the other end Arsenal had two decent penalty shouts turned down: Van Persie was blocked off as he tried to get between two defenders and Gervinho was clipped after outstripping the last man. Nothing doing.
You could tell this was a better game than Saturday’s – the first Mexican wave came ten minutes later. Unlike Saturday it wasn’t cut short by an Arsenal goal but the deadlock was eventually broken three minutes before half time.
It could not have been simpler: Rosicky clipped a free kick into the six-yard box and Van Persie ran clear of the defence to plant a header past Rost.
It should have been two within a minute. Rosicky’s inch-perfect pass released Gervinho and his touch took the ball away from a defender but Rost was alert and made another timely block.
The second half brought more of the same.
Van Persie curled one effort just over the bar and almost converted Afobe’s cut-back after the teenager’s pace had taken him past a defender to the byline.
Gervinho got into a similar position moments later and Rost was forced to concede a corner, but generally speaking Arsenal’s final ball was slightly out of sorts. That will hopefully come good when the serious business starts.
Henry still fancied a goal and his first-time shot tested Szczesny with 20 minutes left, but the smart money was on Rost being beaten again. Song blazed a long-distance effort well over the bar and substitute Emmanuel Eboue shot wide as the clock ticked down.
But in the end Arsenal paid for their wastefulness when Henry sliced open their back four with a perfect pass for Roy Miller and his cut-back was diverted into the roof of the net by Bartley.
It was harsh on the young centre back but Henry was happy enough and the old master lifted the Emirates Cup as his old fans gave him one final ovation.
It was Thierry's day; let’s hope it’s Arsenal’s season.
Source: Chris Harris, Arsenal.com on 31 Jul 11
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Gunners suffer from friendly fire
This was only a friendly match, despite being called the Emirates 'Cup', and in his post-match press conference, Arsene Wenger said: "I don't give too much importance to the result. It is more important to find a connective rhythm." But when Arsenal went two goals up and threw away the advantage to draw 2-2 against Boca Juniors, having been in control for a huge chunk of the 90 minutes, there was still a crushing feeling of déjà vu for all Gunners fans.
Wenger's refusal to dwell on his side's defensive lapses after the game gave way to praise of Arsenal's impressive new-boy, Gervinho and the inevitable conjecture over the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. "Nothing has moved since Friday," said Wenger - which is no surprise, as it has only been 24 hours.
Common belief is the former will, eventually, leave and the latter will, for another year, remain. Despite his desire to join Barcelona, an injured Fabregas was in attendance. "No money would get Cesc out of here, if he wants to stay," were the telling final five words from a bullish Wenger.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, Nasri did little to dispel his doubters. He played the entirety of the match, even handed the captain's armband in the second half, however, this was not one of his better outings, with little coming off for the Manchester City target, who has less than 12 months to run on his current contract. It would be bold, though, to suggest he looked uncommitted, perhaps just not entirely focused.
But when one wonders what Arsenal might lose, it is human nature to forget what one already has. You're scrabbling around looking for your keys, but at least you have your wallet, safely tucked away in your back pocket.
The wallet, in this case, is Jack Wilshere. On the evidence of his pre-season performances thus far, the contentious decision to keep him out of this summer's European Under-21 Championships looks a wise one, certainly for the player, and, more importantly, for his club. He looked fresh, and his feet skipped lightly off the turf. Wilshere was a thorn in Boca's side for the 45 minutes he played, drawing several fouls; they simply couldn't get to grips with his speed of thought. Arsenal's opener came from a Gervinho assist to a Robin van Persie finish, but it was Wilshere who ignited the attack.
With Wilshere supreme in the centre, eyes were otherwise mostly on the only major summer signing for the Gunners thus far, Gervinho - the home fans keen to gauge his quality for the first time up close. The Ivory Coast international is a direct sort of player, happy to take on defences and that could prove a valuable weapon in the season to come, as it can be a frustrating process watching Arsenal pass sideways against a side set up to suffocate them.
Gervinho demonstrated an end product for the opener, and skinned an opponent on more than one occasion. Reflecting on his performance, Wenger said: "Gervinho is a good addition to our squad. Gives options on both sides and through middle. He can integrate well."
Defensively, there has been much pining for a brute of a centre-half. There's a belief Arsenal are crying out for a giant of a stopper, hence the links with Blackburn's Christopher Samba and Bremen's Per Mertesacker. But, and this might be tempting fate, this match served to remind that the pair would be a very un-Wenger-like buy. The French coach likes his back four to play the ball out from the back and Laurent Koscielny, signed from Lorient last summer for nearly £10 million, is evidence of that principle.
Koscielny, who had a mixed debut season in England, was excellent in his distribution versus Boca before his exit. (Hence, talk of a swoop for Everton's Phil Jagielka, more technically adept than Samba, sounding more plausible).
If Arsenal seek to replicate the Barcelona style, they do not need a centre-back unable to turn over the ball swiftly enough for them to manipulate possession and, ultimately, the opposition. It just wouldn't work. This run-out was also evidence of the need for the Gunners to obtain a defender with some pace. They continue to play an awfully high line, and that was exposed a handful of times by their opponents. Indeed, in the second half, the home side did little to convince that defensive concentration has improved as Sebastien Squillaci, whose reputation continues to plummet, and then Johan Djourou saw rudimentary errors punished.
The Gunners conceded a higher proportion of goals from set-pieces (53.5%) last season than any other team in the Premier League. And on Friday, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny indicated a unified determination to right those wrongs. He said: "You might see a little change this weekend in our tactics [with set pieces]."
In Arsenal's defence, which lined up zonally, it was less set-piece mishaps and more a matter of fading that led to Arsenal's throwing away of the two-goal lead. Wenger may claim that fatigue played its part but, while this was indeed a physical exercise at this stage of the season, some Arsenal fans have run this same 90-minute path all too often.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Emmanuel Frimpong
The 19-year-old is a physical unit. He was tough in the tackle, making many of those over the course of the 90 minutes. He's a natural replacement for Alex Song, but beyond that it could be argued Arsenal are sparse in that holding area, following the departure of Denilson and Abou Diaby's injury. Frimpong, though, will want to make a significant impact this campaign, after missing the entirety of last season following a serious knee injury.
ARSENAL VERDICT
Hard to read too much into the result itself. Nasri's underwhelming performance will likely grab the headlines, despite Wenger's best efforts to down play the matter of his future. "I play the players who are available, and Nasri is available. So I play him," he said. Absentees from the game included Thomas Vermaelen, Wojciech Szczesny and Tomas Rosicky, but they will be involved on Sunday versus New York Red Bulls.
BOCA JUNIORS VERDICT
They were hardly in the game until Arsenal let them back into it. Juan Roman Riquelme was the household name on show, and he duly caught the eye with some fancy flicks. Their participation was littered with much fouling, in particular the first half. Such was eagerness of the tackles, it was surprising that Arsenal chose to arrange a game so close to the proper season against Boca.
Source: James Dall, ESPN Soccernet on 30 Jul 11
Wenger's refusal to dwell on his side's defensive lapses after the game gave way to praise of Arsenal's impressive new-boy, Gervinho and the inevitable conjecture over the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. "Nothing has moved since Friday," said Wenger - which is no surprise, as it has only been 24 hours.
Common belief is the former will, eventually, leave and the latter will, for another year, remain. Despite his desire to join Barcelona, an injured Fabregas was in attendance. "No money would get Cesc out of here, if he wants to stay," were the telling final five words from a bullish Wenger.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, Nasri did little to dispel his doubters. He played the entirety of the match, even handed the captain's armband in the second half, however, this was not one of his better outings, with little coming off for the Manchester City target, who has less than 12 months to run on his current contract. It would be bold, though, to suggest he looked uncommitted, perhaps just not entirely focused.
But when one wonders what Arsenal might lose, it is human nature to forget what one already has. You're scrabbling around looking for your keys, but at least you have your wallet, safely tucked away in your back pocket.
The wallet, in this case, is Jack Wilshere. On the evidence of his pre-season performances thus far, the contentious decision to keep him out of this summer's European Under-21 Championships looks a wise one, certainly for the player, and, more importantly, for his club. He looked fresh, and his feet skipped lightly off the turf. Wilshere was a thorn in Boca's side for the 45 minutes he played, drawing several fouls; they simply couldn't get to grips with his speed of thought. Arsenal's opener came from a Gervinho assist to a Robin van Persie finish, but it was Wilshere who ignited the attack.
With Wilshere supreme in the centre, eyes were otherwise mostly on the only major summer signing for the Gunners thus far, Gervinho - the home fans keen to gauge his quality for the first time up close. The Ivory Coast international is a direct sort of player, happy to take on defences and that could prove a valuable weapon in the season to come, as it can be a frustrating process watching Arsenal pass sideways against a side set up to suffocate them.
Gervinho demonstrated an end product for the opener, and skinned an opponent on more than one occasion. Reflecting on his performance, Wenger said: "Gervinho is a good addition to our squad. Gives options on both sides and through middle. He can integrate well."
Defensively, there has been much pining for a brute of a centre-half. There's a belief Arsenal are crying out for a giant of a stopper, hence the links with Blackburn's Christopher Samba and Bremen's Per Mertesacker. But, and this might be tempting fate, this match served to remind that the pair would be a very un-Wenger-like buy. The French coach likes his back four to play the ball out from the back and Laurent Koscielny, signed from Lorient last summer for nearly £10 million, is evidence of that principle.
Koscielny, who had a mixed debut season in England, was excellent in his distribution versus Boca before his exit. (Hence, talk of a swoop for Everton's Phil Jagielka, more technically adept than Samba, sounding more plausible).
If Arsenal seek to replicate the Barcelona style, they do not need a centre-back unable to turn over the ball swiftly enough for them to manipulate possession and, ultimately, the opposition. It just wouldn't work. This run-out was also evidence of the need for the Gunners to obtain a defender with some pace. They continue to play an awfully high line, and that was exposed a handful of times by their opponents. Indeed, in the second half, the home side did little to convince that defensive concentration has improved as Sebastien Squillaci, whose reputation continues to plummet, and then Johan Djourou saw rudimentary errors punished.
The Gunners conceded a higher proportion of goals from set-pieces (53.5%) last season than any other team in the Premier League. And on Friday, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny indicated a unified determination to right those wrongs. He said: "You might see a little change this weekend in our tactics [with set pieces]."
In Arsenal's defence, which lined up zonally, it was less set-piece mishaps and more a matter of fading that led to Arsenal's throwing away of the two-goal lead. Wenger may claim that fatigue played its part but, while this was indeed a physical exercise at this stage of the season, some Arsenal fans have run this same 90-minute path all too often.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Emmanuel Frimpong
The 19-year-old is a physical unit. He was tough in the tackle, making many of those over the course of the 90 minutes. He's a natural replacement for Alex Song, but beyond that it could be argued Arsenal are sparse in that holding area, following the departure of Denilson and Abou Diaby's injury. Frimpong, though, will want to make a significant impact this campaign, after missing the entirety of last season following a serious knee injury.
ARSENAL VERDICT
Hard to read too much into the result itself. Nasri's underwhelming performance will likely grab the headlines, despite Wenger's best efforts to down play the matter of his future. "I play the players who are available, and Nasri is available. So I play him," he said. Absentees from the game included Thomas Vermaelen, Wojciech Szczesny and Tomas Rosicky, but they will be involved on Sunday versus New York Red Bulls.
BOCA JUNIORS VERDICT
They were hardly in the game until Arsenal let them back into it. Juan Roman Riquelme was the household name on show, and he duly caught the eye with some fancy flicks. Their participation was littered with much fouling, in particular the first half. Such was eagerness of the tackles, it was surprising that Arsenal chose to arrange a game so close to the proper season against Boca.
Source: James Dall, ESPN Soccernet on 30 Jul 11
Arsène Wenger still has work to do as Boca Juniors claim a 2-2 draw
Regarding Nasri, who has a year left on his contract and is interesting Manchester City, Wenger informed him for the first time publicly that he should make a decision. "In the next 10 days it has to be clear on that front. If you ask me, do I want to keep him, I say yes. But he needs to be committed to that as well."
Wenger had included Fábregas in his ultimatum of 10 days, but, pressed on this, he softened the stance. "I don't give them 10 days, the transfer period is until 31 August. Ideally, we go into big games in the next two weeks, so in the next two weeks we need to sort our problems out, but there is no specific deadline of one day or 24 hours."
On Friday, Wenger had stated that, despite Fábregas wanting to leave for Barcelona, he would not be allowed to do so for less than Arsenal's valuation, with the Catalan club so far not returning with an improvement on their £27m bid earlier this summer.
Yet Wenger conceded that Nasri, if he does remain beyond September, could walk away next summer for free. Asked how much of a concern this would be, the manager conceded the point. "It's not ideal for us, of course, on the financial side, but, on the sporting side, he is an important player," Wenger said.
Gervinho's performance in a first-half cameo against Boca had suggested he may prove a vital performer this season. Yet, while the 24-year-old has a directness so chronically missing from these parts recently, Arsenal's concession of a two-goal advantage indicated their old problem of defensive brittleness may yet haunt Wenger's men again.
Once more, Fábregas was not included because of a hamstring problem – he is yet to feature this pre-season and may never again do so - while Nasri lined up in his familiar wide-left berth. This was a starting XI that missed Wojciech Szczesny, Alex Song, Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott and Kieran Gibbs from the strongest Wenger might field.
At its head was Gervinho, the £11m signing from Lille whose first telling contribution was to create Robin van Persie's opener. Peeling away from his central attacking position to the left, Gervinho took possession from a clever Jack Wilshere pass before pinging in a cross that Van Persie smashed home.
After the break, the substitute Aaron Ramsey smacked home Arsenal's second with his first touch, but the Gunners' flakiness then showed. A mistake by Sébastien Squillaci too near goal allowed Juan Riquelme to find Lucas Viatri, who pulled the first one back for the visitors.
Next, Johan Djourou let Pablo Mouche mug him, then slide home beyond Vito Mannone. Wenger claimed he was not concerned by the lapse, but he has some hard thinking to do on a few fronts.
Source: Jamie Jackson, The Guardian on 30 Jul 11
Wenger's reaction to the Arsenal 2-2 Boca Juniors match
on letting in two second-half goals...
You never want to concede goals, but overall I do not give too much importance to that. What is important for us it to find a collective rhythm. When we could we managed to play at a good pace for 60 minutes, after it was much more difficult. It was expected, we came back from a training camp in Germany with heavy work and I knew that the second half would be much more difficult.
Boca Juniors are a good team and we got caught counter-attacking when were 2-0 up and we tried to build up the game, but when you are tired you miss some passes and were a bit more under threat.
on the lessons he has learned...
That we can score goals and Gervinho is a good addition to our squad. He is very interesting because he gives us options on both sides and through the middle. He can integrate well with our team. Also we have some improvements to make in some areas, especially the way we win the ball back. On set pieces we were not convincing today, but overall it was quite positive.
on Gervinho...
We can be extremely dangerous on the counter-attack with the players we have, we have Walcott who was not involved today, we have Gervinho and with the midfield we have I believe we can be very quick in the transition to go forwards, so that is always something very interesting. He can add that.
on the commitment of Nasri and Fabregas…
I don’t know. I play the players who are available and Nasri is available so I play him. Yesterday, I made a check up of all our situations and, I must tell you, nothing has moved since yesterday. Not one way, nor another way.
If Fabregas is committed to this Club and wants to stay, no money will get him out of here. We are not in a position where we need to sell our players. We want to keep our players. We are not looking after money. We want the players to stay here, from our side that is clear.
on the possibility of Nasri leaving for nothing…
It’s not ideal for us on the financial side but, on the sporting side, he is an important player. We have to deal with the situation one way or another. In the next ten days we have to be clear on that front.
on the futures of Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Eboue…
They are both on the verge of a move but nothing has been concluded with anybody. I don’t have any club in mind for Nicklas Bendtner because we are far from having done anything with anybody. I cannot give you any club because we have given him the permission to move.
on keeping Nasri at Arsenal…
If you ask me if I want to keep him, I say yes. But he needs to be committed to that as well. I don’t give them ten days, the transfer period is until August 31. Ideally, we go into big games in two weeks, in the next two weeks we have to sort out problems out. There is no specific deadline of one day or 24 hours. It’s not like you shoot a shuttle into space. Sometimes it’s very quick on that front and sometimes it’s very slow.
on Juan Mata...
If I translate your question you are asking that if the two go do we need to sign one then of course. They are two exceptional players and that's why personally I want to keep the two.
If I was the other players I would think 'I have a good opportunity to play'. If you have been a football player you never cry when somebody goes. I just told you 'let's be relaxed', if you want to start a crisis before the start of the season I can understand that but I don't see the need. We have played a football game today and it was enjoyable, so let's come back tomorrow and enjoy another one.
on whether he might change his captain...
We sort any problem out when we have a problem. At the moment the problem is to play good football tomorrow. Fabregas is not in my mind because he will not play tomorrow. I don't see why I should worry about that.
on Jack Wilshere...
It was always the plan to take him off - at half time he was coming off and Ramsey was coming on. The substitutions were decided before the game and I added a fifth at half time because I saw that the game would be physical and we have another one tomorrow.
on Fabregas being at the game...
Cesc loves deeply this club, he loves deepy as well Barcelona. That shows you that an honest player can love two clubs at the same time. He cares about this club and that's why I hope he can keep him.
Source: Arsenal.com on 30 Jul 11
You never want to concede goals, but overall I do not give too much importance to that. What is important for us it to find a collective rhythm. When we could we managed to play at a good pace for 60 minutes, after it was much more difficult. It was expected, we came back from a training camp in Germany with heavy work and I knew that the second half would be much more difficult.
Boca Juniors are a good team and we got caught counter-attacking when were 2-0 up and we tried to build up the game, but when you are tired you miss some passes and were a bit more under threat.
on the lessons he has learned...
That we can score goals and Gervinho is a good addition to our squad. He is very interesting because he gives us options on both sides and through the middle. He can integrate well with our team. Also we have some improvements to make in some areas, especially the way we win the ball back. On set pieces we were not convincing today, but overall it was quite positive.
on Gervinho...
We can be extremely dangerous on the counter-attack with the players we have, we have Walcott who was not involved today, we have Gervinho and with the midfield we have I believe we can be very quick in the transition to go forwards, so that is always something very interesting. He can add that.
on the commitment of Nasri and Fabregas…
I don’t know. I play the players who are available and Nasri is available so I play him. Yesterday, I made a check up of all our situations and, I must tell you, nothing has moved since yesterday. Not one way, nor another way.
If Fabregas is committed to this Club and wants to stay, no money will get him out of here. We are not in a position where we need to sell our players. We want to keep our players. We are not looking after money. We want the players to stay here, from our side that is clear.
on the possibility of Nasri leaving for nothing…
It’s not ideal for us on the financial side but, on the sporting side, he is an important player. We have to deal with the situation one way or another. In the next ten days we have to be clear on that front.
on the futures of Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Eboue…
They are both on the verge of a move but nothing has been concluded with anybody. I don’t have any club in mind for Nicklas Bendtner because we are far from having done anything with anybody. I cannot give you any club because we have given him the permission to move.
on keeping Nasri at Arsenal…
If you ask me if I want to keep him, I say yes. But he needs to be committed to that as well. I don’t give them ten days, the transfer period is until August 31. Ideally, we go into big games in two weeks, in the next two weeks we have to sort out problems out. There is no specific deadline of one day or 24 hours. It’s not like you shoot a shuttle into space. Sometimes it’s very quick on that front and sometimes it’s very slow.
on Juan Mata...
If I translate your question you are asking that if the two go do we need to sign one then of course. They are two exceptional players and that's why personally I want to keep the two.
If I was the other players I would think 'I have a good opportunity to play'. If you have been a football player you never cry when somebody goes. I just told you 'let's be relaxed', if you want to start a crisis before the start of the season I can understand that but I don't see the need. We have played a football game today and it was enjoyable, so let's come back tomorrow and enjoy another one.
on whether he might change his captain...
We sort any problem out when we have a problem. At the moment the problem is to play good football tomorrow. Fabregas is not in my mind because he will not play tomorrow. I don't see why I should worry about that.
on Jack Wilshere...
It was always the plan to take him off - at half time he was coming off and Ramsey was coming on. The substitutions were decided before the game and I added a fifth at half time because I saw that the game would be physical and we have another one tomorrow.
on Fabregas being at the game...
Cesc loves deeply this club, he loves deepy as well Barcelona. That shows you that an honest player can love two clubs at the same time. He cares about this club and that's why I hope he can keep him.
Source: Arsenal.com on 30 Jul 11
30 July 2011: Arsenal 2-2 Boca Juniors, Emirates Stadium
Arsenal had to settle for a draw on the opening day of the Emirates Cup after letting a two-goal lead slip against Boca Juniors.
Robin van Persie converted a cross from the impressive Gervinho to open the scoring before half time and Aaron Ramsey added a second within a minute of the restart with a venomous strike from the edge of the box.
Boca looked beaten at that point but two goals in three minutes from Lucas Viatri and Pablo Mouche hauled them level with Arsenal found wanting at the back on both occasions.
The tournament hosts probed for a winner but could not find a way past their rejuvenated opponents. Indeed they needed a smart stop from Vito Mannone to hold onto their point.
Either way, this draw sets us up nicely for Sunday’s clash with the New York Red Bulls - and a certain Mr Henry. The MLS side beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in Saturday’s opener so a point is all they need to leave London with the silverware.
Arsène Wenger and his squad had travelled halfway round the world and back again since they last set foot on their own pitch and, fittingly, Thin Lizzy’s ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ blared from the Emirates speakers before kick off.
For players and fans alike this now traditional staging post on the pre-season trail represents a fresh start with new hope to cling to as well as a new kit to admire. There were a couple of new faces too with Gervinho and Carl Jenkinson handed their home debuts.
Elsewhere Emmanuel Frimpong - resplendent with new Mohican haircut - was paired with Jack Wilshere in midfield, Armand Traore got the nod at left back and youngsters Kyle Bartley and Benik Afobe were named on the bench.
Boca’s star turn was Juan Roman Riquelme. The old-school playmaker is winding down his career now but his rhythmic play is still a joy to behold. Riquelme’s touch plus the drums, whistles and exuberance of the Boca fans brought a flavour of Buenos Aires to north London.
There was controversy before the first minute was out.
Gervinho, starting on the right, danced towards the box and found Wilshere inside it. The England man was clipped but referee Martin Atkinson gave nothing. There would have been more than raised eyebrows had this been a competitive fixture.
Gervinho made that happen and it was soon clear that he was the main danger. Within minutes the Ivorian, quick, lean and explosive, left Facundo Roncaglia for dead with one sway of his hips and sent in a low cross that Van Persie couldn’t quite sweep in at the near post.
Meanwhile, there were warning signs at the other end.
Dario Cvitanich looked to get in behind Arsenal’s centre-back pair and did so twice, only for poor control to scupper Boca on both occasions. Another alarm bell rang when Juan Insaurralde rose virtually unmarked to head a corner just wide.
But all in all chances were at a premium, so much so that the tournament’s first Mexican wave was spotted before the half-hour mark. It had yet to make a lap of the ground when most of the crowd was on its feet to celebrate an Arsenal goal.
Gervinho was the instigator again, springing down the left before sliding a teasing ball into the box for Van Persie to gobble up. The Dutchman still knows where the goal is and clearly he is already on the same wavelength as the Club’s most recent signing.
That was the last we saw of Gervinho but his two cameos in an Arsenal shirt have certainly whetted the appetite. The new boy was one of five to make way at half time as Wenger brought on Carlos Vela, Ramsey, Sebastien Squillaci, Mannone and Marouane Chamakh.
Ramsey has looked in the mood all summer and he needed less than a minute to double Arsenal’s lead. Vela’s mazy run was stopped illegally on the edge of the box but, to his credit, Atkinson played advantage and Ramsey smashed the ball past Agustin Orion. Quite an entrance.
Andrey Arshavin, granted extra time on the pitch to build up his match sharpness, was the next to threaten with a bustling run through the centre and a shot that was blocked.
But Boca emerged from their shell and served notice of what was to come when Viatri forced substitute keeper Mannone into an athletic one-handed tip over.
With 22 minutes left the Argentina international was given another chance and this time he made no mistake. Sebastian Squillaci was robbed in possession and a square pass found Viatri to lash the ball into the top corner.
Suddenly, we had a contest. Boca scented another goal and it came just three minutes later when Mouche got the wrong side of Johan Djourou and evaded Mannone before sliding in the equaliser.
Emmanuel Eboue came off the bench to fire a half-chance wide of the far post as Arsenal went in search of a winner. But Boca finished strongly and Mannone had to scramble to his right to keep out Riquelme’s free kick five minutes from time.
Source: Chris Harris, Arsenal.com on 30 Jul 11
Robin van Persie converted a cross from the impressive Gervinho to open the scoring before half time and Aaron Ramsey added a second within a minute of the restart with a venomous strike from the edge of the box.
Boca looked beaten at that point but two goals in three minutes from Lucas Viatri and Pablo Mouche hauled them level with Arsenal found wanting at the back on both occasions.
The tournament hosts probed for a winner but could not find a way past their rejuvenated opponents. Indeed they needed a smart stop from Vito Mannone to hold onto their point.
Either way, this draw sets us up nicely for Sunday’s clash with the New York Red Bulls - and a certain Mr Henry. The MLS side beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in Saturday’s opener so a point is all they need to leave London with the silverware.
Arsène Wenger and his squad had travelled halfway round the world and back again since they last set foot on their own pitch and, fittingly, Thin Lizzy’s ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ blared from the Emirates speakers before kick off.
For players and fans alike this now traditional staging post on the pre-season trail represents a fresh start with new hope to cling to as well as a new kit to admire. There were a couple of new faces too with Gervinho and Carl Jenkinson handed their home debuts.
Elsewhere Emmanuel Frimpong - resplendent with new Mohican haircut - was paired with Jack Wilshere in midfield, Armand Traore got the nod at left back and youngsters Kyle Bartley and Benik Afobe were named on the bench.
Boca’s star turn was Juan Roman Riquelme. The old-school playmaker is winding down his career now but his rhythmic play is still a joy to behold. Riquelme’s touch plus the drums, whistles and exuberance of the Boca fans brought a flavour of Buenos Aires to north London.
There was controversy before the first minute was out.
Gervinho, starting on the right, danced towards the box and found Wilshere inside it. The England man was clipped but referee Martin Atkinson gave nothing. There would have been more than raised eyebrows had this been a competitive fixture.
Gervinho made that happen and it was soon clear that he was the main danger. Within minutes the Ivorian, quick, lean and explosive, left Facundo Roncaglia for dead with one sway of his hips and sent in a low cross that Van Persie couldn’t quite sweep in at the near post.
Meanwhile, there were warning signs at the other end.
Dario Cvitanich looked to get in behind Arsenal’s centre-back pair and did so twice, only for poor control to scupper Boca on both occasions. Another alarm bell rang when Juan Insaurralde rose virtually unmarked to head a corner just wide.
But all in all chances were at a premium, so much so that the tournament’s first Mexican wave was spotted before the half-hour mark. It had yet to make a lap of the ground when most of the crowd was on its feet to celebrate an Arsenal goal.
Gervinho was the instigator again, springing down the left before sliding a teasing ball into the box for Van Persie to gobble up. The Dutchman still knows where the goal is and clearly he is already on the same wavelength as the Club’s most recent signing.
That was the last we saw of Gervinho but his two cameos in an Arsenal shirt have certainly whetted the appetite. The new boy was one of five to make way at half time as Wenger brought on Carlos Vela, Ramsey, Sebastien Squillaci, Mannone and Marouane Chamakh.
Ramsey has looked in the mood all summer and he needed less than a minute to double Arsenal’s lead. Vela’s mazy run was stopped illegally on the edge of the box but, to his credit, Atkinson played advantage and Ramsey smashed the ball past Agustin Orion. Quite an entrance.
Andrey Arshavin, granted extra time on the pitch to build up his match sharpness, was the next to threaten with a bustling run through the centre and a shot that was blocked.
But Boca emerged from their shell and served notice of what was to come when Viatri forced substitute keeper Mannone into an athletic one-handed tip over.
With 22 minutes left the Argentina international was given another chance and this time he made no mistake. Sebastian Squillaci was robbed in possession and a square pass found Viatri to lash the ball into the top corner.
Suddenly, we had a contest. Boca scented another goal and it came just three minutes later when Mouche got the wrong side of Johan Djourou and evaded Mannone before sliding in the equaliser.
Emmanuel Eboue came off the bench to fire a half-chance wide of the far post as Arsenal went in search of a winner. But Boca finished strongly and Mannone had to scramble to his right to keep out Riquelme’s free kick five minutes from time.
Source: Chris Harris, Arsenal.com on 30 Jul 11
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Another Ten Points?
Arsenal fans got their first sight of the team at Ashburton Grove over the weekend as the Gunners staged, and won, the Emirates Cup.
As much as the club might try to hype the tournament, these were still preseason warm-up games and, as good as it is to get an early look at the players, there is not much we can deduce for the coming season from these matches. Still, the stadium was pretty much sold out on both days which only goes to show the appetite of the fans as we all wait for the Premier League to get going again. There are only two weeks to go but it still feels an age away as the close-season drags on interminably.
There were a couple of talking points from the weekend though, the first of which was Marouane Chamakh's first home goal. The preseason matches have shown him to be something of a target man and hold-up striker but he showed some good composure when rolling home his finish in Saturday's match against AC Milan. The Moroccan will add some height and physical presence to the frontline - a task that was left solely to Nicklas Bendtner last season - and it is going to be really interesting to see how he combines with Robin Van Persie when the Dutchman returns from his summer break.
The other interesting aspect coming out of the weekend was Arsene Wenger’s statement that he would not be sending Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong out on loan this season. Instead, they will be assimilated into the first team squad and given their chance. Many Arsenal fans will be very happy to hear this news. Both are top-class prospects and the only way they will reach their full potential is if Arsene Wenger brings them on in the way that he did with Cesc Fabregas.
This piece of news also contained the comment that Wenger had considered buying a midfielder but will now not do so in the light of the decision to include Wilshere and Frimpong in the squad. Other Arsenal fans will be less delighted with this caveat as many believe that an experienced defensive-minded midfielder was needed. However, Frimpong is a highly physical player who will make tackles all day. He might lack experience but he proved over the weekend he is no respecter of reputations and has no fear. He will be a more than capable deputy back-up for Alex Song and, though the manager’s decision represents a risk, there are areas of the team that need attention ahead of the midfield. Chief amongst these is the centre of defence and the ongoing goalkeeping saga.
Following the departures of Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre, the Gunners are definitely short of numbers at the back. It is no great surprise that this trio have moved on - we knew that was likely to be the case before the end of last season - but, with only Laurent Koscielny coming in, the clock is ticking on finding replacements. Though the transfer window stays open for another month, it would be better to have some new recruits in place before the start of the season. As always, Arsene Wenger is not giving much away but even he recognises that reinforcing this area of the team is a priority and has said as much.
The manager seems far less clear though about what is going on with his goalkeepers. Of the four he has to choose from at the moment, he doesn’t seem to have a clue who his number one would be - nor his number two, three or four. It seems patently clear to the supporters that new blood is required between the sticks and that none of Almunia, Fabianski or Mannone really inspire too much confidence. All had their chances in varying degrees last season and none really took the bull by the horns and commanded the right to be number one. Though there has been much talk about Wojciech Szczesny, he hasn’t been given the sort of game-time in preseason that suggests that the manager is about to promote him up the order.
So far this summer, more players have left than joined and there has been very little to get excited about on the transfer front. Hopefully, Wenger will make a few moves soon because it was clear at the end of last season that the squad needed bolstering and that has not happened to the degree that is required for the Gunners to really have a serious chance of taking the title.
Last season, Arsenal finished eleven points behind Chelsea and ten points behind Manchester United. The season before, they were eighteen points adrift of the eventual Champions. That could be construed as something of an improvement over the past couple of years made by roughly the same squad. However, another big step up has to be taken this season if the Gunners are going to win their first league title since the year of The Invincibles back in 2003/04. Without further signings, particularly in defence, it is hard to see where a further ten or fifteen points are going to be found this season - and that is what is required for a serious tilt at top spot.
Should we be thinking of improvement in these terms? Well, on the basis of how often over the years Arsene Wenger has told us how many points he predicts it would take to win the title, I believe so. And points are going to be even harder to come by this season with Manchester City throwing money round like it is going out of style and putting themselves in the picture at the top end of the table.
It has been a deathly dull preseason so far but hopefully the manager take some action over the next couple of weeks that will fire a bit more optimism, and maybe some even expectation, that the season that will end with something more than just a top-four finish.
Source: David Young, ESPN Soccernet on 3 Aug 10
As much as the club might try to hype the tournament, these were still preseason warm-up games and, as good as it is to get an early look at the players, there is not much we can deduce for the coming season from these matches. Still, the stadium was pretty much sold out on both days which only goes to show the appetite of the fans as we all wait for the Premier League to get going again. There are only two weeks to go but it still feels an age away as the close-season drags on interminably.
There were a couple of talking points from the weekend though, the first of which was Marouane Chamakh's first home goal. The preseason matches have shown him to be something of a target man and hold-up striker but he showed some good composure when rolling home his finish in Saturday's match against AC Milan. The Moroccan will add some height and physical presence to the frontline - a task that was left solely to Nicklas Bendtner last season - and it is going to be really interesting to see how he combines with Robin Van Persie when the Dutchman returns from his summer break.
The other interesting aspect coming out of the weekend was Arsene Wenger’s statement that he would not be sending Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong out on loan this season. Instead, they will be assimilated into the first team squad and given their chance. Many Arsenal fans will be very happy to hear this news. Both are top-class prospects and the only way they will reach their full potential is if Arsene Wenger brings them on in the way that he did with Cesc Fabregas.
This piece of news also contained the comment that Wenger had considered buying a midfielder but will now not do so in the light of the decision to include Wilshere and Frimpong in the squad. Other Arsenal fans will be less delighted with this caveat as many believe that an experienced defensive-minded midfielder was needed. However, Frimpong is a highly physical player who will make tackles all day. He might lack experience but he proved over the weekend he is no respecter of reputations and has no fear. He will be a more than capable deputy back-up for Alex Song and, though the manager’s decision represents a risk, there are areas of the team that need attention ahead of the midfield. Chief amongst these is the centre of defence and the ongoing goalkeeping saga.
Following the departures of Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre, the Gunners are definitely short of numbers at the back. It is no great surprise that this trio have moved on - we knew that was likely to be the case before the end of last season - but, with only Laurent Koscielny coming in, the clock is ticking on finding replacements. Though the transfer window stays open for another month, it would be better to have some new recruits in place before the start of the season. As always, Arsene Wenger is not giving much away but even he recognises that reinforcing this area of the team is a priority and has said as much.
The manager seems far less clear though about what is going on with his goalkeepers. Of the four he has to choose from at the moment, he doesn’t seem to have a clue who his number one would be - nor his number two, three or four. It seems patently clear to the supporters that new blood is required between the sticks and that none of Almunia, Fabianski or Mannone really inspire too much confidence. All had their chances in varying degrees last season and none really took the bull by the horns and commanded the right to be number one. Though there has been much talk about Wojciech Szczesny, he hasn’t been given the sort of game-time in preseason that suggests that the manager is about to promote him up the order.
So far this summer, more players have left than joined and there has been very little to get excited about on the transfer front. Hopefully, Wenger will make a few moves soon because it was clear at the end of last season that the squad needed bolstering and that has not happened to the degree that is required for the Gunners to really have a serious chance of taking the title.
Last season, Arsenal finished eleven points behind Chelsea and ten points behind Manchester United. The season before, they were eighteen points adrift of the eventual Champions. That could be construed as something of an improvement over the past couple of years made by roughly the same squad. However, another big step up has to be taken this season if the Gunners are going to win their first league title since the year of The Invincibles back in 2003/04. Without further signings, particularly in defence, it is hard to see where a further ten or fifteen points are going to be found this season - and that is what is required for a serious tilt at top spot.
Should we be thinking of improvement in these terms? Well, on the basis of how often over the years Arsene Wenger has told us how many points he predicts it would take to win the title, I believe so. And points are going to be even harder to come by this season with Manchester City throwing money round like it is going out of style and putting themselves in the picture at the top end of the table.
It has been a deathly dull preseason so far but hopefully the manager take some action over the next couple of weeks that will fire a bit more optimism, and maybe some even expectation, that the season that will end with something more than just a top-four finish.
Source: David Young, ESPN Soccernet on 3 Aug 10
Fabregas's future distracts from young Gunners' display of class
Arsenal made hard work of defending the Emirates Cup yesterday, hanging on to beat Celtic 3-2 after leading 3-0. Now, though, comes an even more difficult task – winning the club's first piece of serious silverware for five seasons.
As if finishing ahead of Chelsea, Manchester United and the rest in the Premier League is not enough of a challenge, Arsène Wenger, the manager, also faces the unwanted complication of the Cesc Fabregas situation.
The Arsenal captain returns on Thursday from a four-week post-World Cup break, bringing with him the baggage that Wenger agreed on Saturday was an unwelcome distraction to everyone at the club. Although Barcelona have given up their pursuit of Fabregas through the official channels, the Catalan press and the Blaugrana players continue to act as though the arrival of Fabregas at the Nou Camp is simply a matter of "when" rather than "if."
One school of thought is that Fabregas should be allowed to leave, thereby removing all further distractions, and giving Wenger money to spend. Wenger, however, would probably then opt to give Alexandre Song, Denilson and Abou Diaby – all missing yesterday – further chances to show what they can do. Those three will now be looking over their shoulders at Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong, both 18, who have excelled in pre-season and did well again for 70 minutes yesterday.
Wenger admitted that the precocity of the two teenagers had altered his thinking about the make-up of his midfield this season. "We were considering maybe going on the market for a midfield player, which we will not do now," he said. "Frimpong is a bit less a dribbler, but he's a fighter and a winner. He can choose between England and Ghana, so I would have no hesitation and invite him to play for England."
Wilshere has already been mentioned by the national manager, Fabio Capello, as a future England player but Wenger urged caution. "Let's not make them stars before they are stars," he said. "But in 2012 he will be 20. Theo Walcott went to the World Cup at 17 and it didn't kill him."
Arsenal began briskly. Carlos Vela slid home Walcott's cross after four minutes and Lukasz Zaluska then dived over Bacary Sagna's left-foot shot after 44 minutes. Walcott provided his second assist six minutes after the interval, Samir Nasri converting his short pass from 15 yards.
Celtic's embarrassment appeared complete when Georgios Samaras hit a penalty kick high and wide, but it seemed to inspire them, and Daryl Murphy struck from close range. Ki Sung-yeung scored a second eight minutes from time. "For 70 minutes we played well then collapsed a bit, and you could see that everybody has not got 90 minutes in their legs, but I have seen what I wanted to see," Wenger said.
Source: Nick Szczepanik, The Independent on 2 Aug 10
As if finishing ahead of Chelsea, Manchester United and the rest in the Premier League is not enough of a challenge, Arsène Wenger, the manager, also faces the unwanted complication of the Cesc Fabregas situation.
The Arsenal captain returns on Thursday from a four-week post-World Cup break, bringing with him the baggage that Wenger agreed on Saturday was an unwelcome distraction to everyone at the club. Although Barcelona have given up their pursuit of Fabregas through the official channels, the Catalan press and the Blaugrana players continue to act as though the arrival of Fabregas at the Nou Camp is simply a matter of "when" rather than "if."
One school of thought is that Fabregas should be allowed to leave, thereby removing all further distractions, and giving Wenger money to spend. Wenger, however, would probably then opt to give Alexandre Song, Denilson and Abou Diaby – all missing yesterday – further chances to show what they can do. Those three will now be looking over their shoulders at Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong, both 18, who have excelled in pre-season and did well again for 70 minutes yesterday.
Wenger admitted that the precocity of the two teenagers had altered his thinking about the make-up of his midfield this season. "We were considering maybe going on the market for a midfield player, which we will not do now," he said. "Frimpong is a bit less a dribbler, but he's a fighter and a winner. He can choose between England and Ghana, so I would have no hesitation and invite him to play for England."
Wilshere has already been mentioned by the national manager, Fabio Capello, as a future England player but Wenger urged caution. "Let's not make them stars before they are stars," he said. "But in 2012 he will be 20. Theo Walcott went to the World Cup at 17 and it didn't kill him."
Arsenal began briskly. Carlos Vela slid home Walcott's cross after four minutes and Lukasz Zaluska then dived over Bacary Sagna's left-foot shot after 44 minutes. Walcott provided his second assist six minutes after the interval, Samir Nasri converting his short pass from 15 yards.
Celtic's embarrassment appeared complete when Georgios Samaras hit a penalty kick high and wide, but it seemed to inspire them, and Daryl Murphy struck from close range. Ki Sung-yeung scored a second eight minutes from time. "For 70 minutes we played well then collapsed a bit, and you could see that everybody has not got 90 minutes in their legs, but I have seen what I wanted to see," Wenger said.
Source: Nick Szczepanik, The Independent on 2 Aug 10
'It's important that when Cesc comes back, he clears the air,' says Wenger
Arsène Wenger believes that Cesc Fabregas must publicly state his loyalty to Arsenal or risk the club's season being overshadowed by the saga of his possible move to Barcelona.
Fabregas returns to the Emirates on 5 August after an extended summer break for the official club photocall, and Wenger has admitted that only a statement by his captain will quell the widespread belief that he will end up at the Nou Camp sooner or later. "It's important, when he comes back, that he comes out [and speaks]," Wenger said yesterday. "Only Fabregas can clear the air.
"Cesc has five years to go on his contract and that's it, but the speculation doesn't stop. Who can stop it? Only Cesc, and maybe not even him. We cannot go into a season where every day you only read about that. He has not played today, and I sit here and speak about Fabregas.
"This story has, in the last six months, made our life difficult. Noises come back from Spain and are translated here. Barcelona certainly have a case [of tapping up] to answer but it's always the same: how do you prove it?"
However, Wenger believes that the attempts to unsettle Fabregas no longer emanate from the club. "Barça has given up for a long time. The people who say they have not given up are the newspapers, but the newspapers do not make that decision."
Assuming it is forthcoming, evidence from Fabregas that his head has not been permanently turned by Barcelona's blandishments will be vital for Arsenal's prospects of success. A sell-out for yesterday's first day of the Emirates Cup was a testament to the team's ability to entertain, but how many of the 60,000 watching the action seriously expect the hosts to challenge for the Barclays Premier League this season?
One, at least: Wenger retains his faith that his skilful young team will develop into winners. Around 54,999 others – Celtic sold 5,000 tickets – remain sceptical, unsure whether Laurent Koscielny and Marouane Chamakh have added enough quality to allow Arsenal to contend. They want to believe that Fabregas will stay, that there will be more signings, that this will be the year, but they doubt it.
Wenger, though, is sure that this season the honours emblazoned around the upper tier of the stadium can finally be joined by a trophy won since Arsenal moved over the road from Highbury four years ago.
"I am confident that we will do it," he said. "We have to remind ourselves that we decided to go with a very young team three or four years ago and we have developed this team. Two years ago we were quite far but last year in April we were two points away from the top. Normally we should be closer again because that development is part of a young team."
Wenger knows that a sixth barren season since the 2005 FA Cup final victory over United would be blamed by many on his failure to invest money that the club insist is available. He has not ruled out more signings before the transfer window closes, but plays down their importance.
"I know in England when you do not win the championship it's always about buying. But we are not a team that is at the end of a cycle, we are at the start of a cycle. So our future will be decided not by who we buy or need but as well by how much we improve.
"The money will not be an excuse if we do not achieve our targets. We know the world we live in. But by the beginning of August [when Fabregas and Robin van Persie return] we will have the quality of players to fight at the top. We have two international players in every position."
Unfortunately, so have many of their rivals, and Wenger expects a more open Premier League. "I feel there will be more teams fighting for the title. We saw that at the start of last season as well, all of the top teams lost points against the 'second part' of the Premier League. That trend could even become stronger this year."
The development that he welcomes least is the new rule that restricts squads to 25 players, which he calls "disastrous". "It leaves, first of all, many players without clubs. Secondly, it puts the clubs in a weak position in the transfer market, because when you already have 25 players and you buy another one, you know you have 26 and now have to get rid of one. I was quite amazed that the union accepted that. The big clubs will always have 25 top players and you will not stop that by this kind of decision."
The one part of the new ruling that does not worry him is the insistence that eight of the 25 must qualify as "homegrown". "Not through coincidence, but through hard work, we now have a good English generation, and I play them because they are good, not because of the rule. Jack Wilshere was on loan to Bolton last season, Emmanuel Frimpong impressed me and that's why I've played him in pre-season. So it's not linked with the rule. And," he grinned, "players like Fabregas qualify as homegrown..."
Source: Nick Szczepanik, The Independent on 1 Aug 10
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Wilshere gives Arsenal fallback for Arsenal
While both of Arsenal's summer signings did well, Laurent Koscielny looking composed alongside Thomas Vermaelen in defence after a reported £10 million move from Lorient, it was Wilshere who caught the eye. The 18-year-old local, who was voted man of the match in both matches in this tournament a year ago and spent half of last season on loan to Bolton, confirmed his growing reputation with a dynamic performance in a deep midfield role.
"Bolton wanted to take him again, but I think I will keep him," Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said. "He can play on the flank and in the middle, behind the striker and deeper as well, so he should get a few games."
He did not look overmatched against a Milan team who were without Massimo Ambrosini, Filippo Inzaghi, Andrea Pirlo and Ronaldinho, but still included enough quality to test Arsenal's own depleted squad, which was missing Alex Song, Abou Diaby and Denilson as well as Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, who are on post-World Cup leave.
Emmanuel Eboué and Koscielny had to make timely tackles when Alexandre Pato threatened to embarrass them with his pace, and Milan went closest when Mathieu Flamini, the former Arsenal midfield player who was booed throughout, saw a volley from 22 yards deflected by Koscielny on to the angle of post and crossbar.
Arsenal's best effort up to that point had been a glancing header by Vermaelen that demanded a fine save from Christian Abbiati, but after 36 minutes Andrey Arshavin held off Gennaro Gattuso and slipped the ball through for Chamakh, who had just stayed onside, to steer it past Abbiati.
Until then, the Morocco forward, a Bosman signing from Bordeaux, had looked slightly off the pace, but after the goal he developed a swagger and a clever flick after he had been sent through by Wilshere set up Arshavin for a shot that Abbiati palmed away.
The failure to score a second cost Arsenal the victory when Pato beat Vermaelen to nod home Clarence Seedorf's free-kick with 13 minutes to go, drawing Wenger's only criticism of Lukasz Fabianski, who will be replaced in goal for today's match against Celtic by Manuel Almunia: "I didn't feel anyone took charge of the organisation and that's a little bit down to the goalkeeper, but overall I thought he had a good game."
Gianluca Zambrotta almost won it when he cannoned a 20-yarder off the bar three minutes from time.
"It was a good test for the new players, the young players and the team," Wenger said. "It was a good first game for Chamakh, a good presence up front. He and Koscielny did very well. We wanted a forward who plays for the team and works hard and at the back somebody who is calm, can play out from the back and read the game well. Their attitude is good and they can only improve."
Massimiliano Allegri, the Milan coach, ruled out the possibility of David Beckham, who watched the match, returning to the club when he recovers from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered last season.
Source: Nick Szczepanik, The Independent on 1 Aug 10
Monday, August 2, 2010
1 August 2010: Arsenal 3-2 Celtic, Emirates Stadium
Arsenal lifted the trophy for the third time in four tournaments thanks to a 3-2 win over Celtic but what looked at one point like a Sunday stroll escalated into a frantic finish.
Carlos Vela set Arsenal on their way with a sliding finish in the third minute and Bacary Sagna smashed in a collector's item on the stroke of half-time.
Samir Nasri came off the bench to slot a third just five minutes into the second half but Celtic rallied and, after Georgios Samaras missed a penalty, Daryl Murphy fired them back into contention.
Ki Sung-Yueng struck with seven minutes left to set up a tense finale but the hosts survived a few more alarms before heaving a sigh of relief at the final whistle.
It was fine entertainment for a near-capacity crowd at Emirates Stadium and, of course, this represented another useful workout ahead of the Premier League opener at Liverpool in a fortnight.
It's always nice to win a trophy and Arsenal have become dab hands at giving their fans a pre-season cheer on home soil. The trick is to follow it up with a major pot next May.
Predictably, Wenger made seven changes for the tournament finale with much of Saturday's bench comprising Sunday's line-up.
Manuel Almunia, Bacary Sagna, Johan Djourou, Gael Clichy, Vela, Theo Walcott and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas were handed starts with the latter operating as a central striker - one of many positions he has occupied in recent times.
Milan's 1-1 draw with Lyon earlier in the day - the third stalemate of the weekend - meant any win would do for Arsenal. And they raced out of the blocks to secure the advantage they required in a shade over two minutes.
Jack Wilshere was the architect, picking out Walcott with a sharp pass into the right-hand side of the penalty area. The England winger went for goal but his shot flew across the six-yard box where Vela slid in to gleefully convert.
Celtic had barely drawn breath but they tried to respond. Shaun Maloney curled a free-kick past the Arsenal wall but Almunia took it on the bounce. Moments later his opposite number Lukasz Zaluska clung on after Tomas Rosicky whipped in a dead ball from a narrow angle.
This was a frenetic start for a friendly but, despite the midweek distraction of a Champions League qualifier, Celtic matched their hosts for a time.
After 17 minutes Emmanuel Frimpong chased and harried an opponent only to leave a gap behind him. Morten Rasmussen raced into the box and held off his marker but, with glory beckoning, he sliced his shot horribly wide. Not long after, Efrain Juarez's finishing was just as poor.
It was a reminder that Arsenal could not rest on their laurels but, as the half wore on, they racked up plenty of chances of their own.
Thomas Vermaelen lined up a howitzer which stung Zaluska's hands, Emmanuel-Thomas saw his attempted chip deflect wide after fine approach play from Rosicky and the Czech himself saw a shot fly off a defender's boot and away from danger.
Just after the half-hour, Arsenal turned up the heat.
Walcott scored a masterful free-kick during training in Austria and he clearly fancied his chances when presented with a dead ball from 30 yards. He was right to be confident - Walcott's curling effort forced an acrobatic tip-over from Zaluska.
A minute later Rosicky's raking pass to Vela sparked a wonderful flowing move. The Mexican found Clichy on the overlap and he feigned to cross before cutting the ball back into Wilshere's path. The teenager's shot bounced off a defender and prompted another decent save from Zaluska.
Rosicky clipped the resulting corner to the edge of the box where Wilshere provided the non-scoring moment of the game - a perfectly-executed volley which crashed against the bar. Wilshere was up quickly to head the rebound goalwards but Zaluska's reactions were just as good and he made the catch.
Once the usual suspects had tried their luck, Sagna showed them how it's done.
The right back has only scored once in an Arsenal shirt - a header at Chelsea in 2008. You would have got astronomical odds on Sagna lashing in a first-time 20-yarder with his weaker left foot, but that's exactly what happened after Rosicky had rolled the ball into his path.
The celebration was as exuberant as you've seen and why not? Sagna won't forget that one in a hurry.
You'd have thought the second goal would knock the stuffing out of Celtic and it seemed that way when Nasri grabbed a third six minutes into the second half.
Clichy's challenge allowed his fellow Frenchman to pick out Walcott and he twisted and turned inside the box before laying a return pass back for Nasri to find the net.
But Celtic - who fought back from a two-goal deficit against Lyon on Saturday - bounced back with character and style.
Juarez had three chances of his own, just failing to connect with a left-wing cross, sending another effort wide and finally forcing a smart stop from Almunia after a piercing pass from Samaras.
Samaras himself had earned the biggest laugh of the afternoon when he skied a spot-kick after Wilshere was penalised for running into Marc-Antoine Fortune.
But Celtic got the goal their efforts deserved 17 minutes from time when a shot from distance hit Djourou, bounced off Frimpong and fell kindly for Murphy, who beat Almunia from close range.
The Scottish giants scented blood and piled on the pressure.
Sung-Yueng's volley flew just over and Murphy squandered a one-on-one with Almunia. Arsenal failed to heed the lesson and Celtic broke down the right where Fortune squared for Sung-Yueng to score.
The boisterous Celtic support celebrated but they couldn't quite will their team to an equaliser.
And so, for the third time in four years, Arsenal warmed up for the season by lifting a trophy in front of their home support.
Now let's end the season that way.
Source: Chris Harris, Arsenal.com on 1 Aug 10
31 July 2010: Arsenal 1-1 AC Milan, Emirates Stadium
Marouane Chamakh started life at Emirates Stadium with a goal as Arsenal started the Emirates Cup with a draw.
The Moroccan striker won over his new fans with a cool finish after 36 minutes following fine work from Andrey Arshavin, but it was not enough to see off AC Milan in an entertaining encounter.
Alexandre Pato headed an equaliser with 13 minutes left to leave the tournament finely poised at the end of day one.
Teams are awarded an extra point for each goal in this format so Celtic and Olympique Lyonnais lead the way with three apiece after a 2-2 draw in the opening game. Arsenal and Milan are tucked in behind with two points each.
But the stage is set for a fitting finale on Sunday. The French and Italian clubs meet before Arsenal take on Celtic in a game which will decide who gets to practice lifting a trophy before the serious stuff starts.
This tournament has become a staple of Arsenal's pre-season diet and the fans have clearly taken it to their hearts - Emirates Stadium was packed to the rafters for Saturday's main attraction.
Most of them were here to catch a glimpse of new signings Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny and they would not be disappointed. Both were named in a forward-thinking line-up which also featured Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshere, Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky.
For Arsenal's fans this was a chance to greet old friends, show off new colours and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere before the pressure games come thick and fast. That said, there's still a trophy to be won and Arsenal's players set about their task with purpose.
Chamakh and Rosicky made inroads down the right in the opening exchanges but Kieran Gibbs' early inroads down the left looked more likely to do damage.
Arshavin picked out a Gibbs overlap in the ninth minute but his clipped cross just eluded Wilshere. The left back got into an identical position moments later and this time his cross ricocheted off a defender and fell to Arshavin on the edge of the box. The Russian mishit his half-volley and the ball rolled harmlessly wide.
Gibbs was pretty handy in the other box too.
Mathieu Flamini, back at the Emirates in Milan's colours two years after leaving London, was determined to make an impression. His first major contribution was a burst down the left but his dangerous cross was hacked away by Gibbs.
Flamini was more enforcer than creator in his Arsenal days but he wasn't afraid to go forward here. He met a dipping ball on the edge of the box with a venomous volley that took a wicked deflection off Koscielny and flew against the crossbar with Lukasz Fabianski well beaten. Then Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal's captain in the absence of Cesc Fabregas, had to be alert to block another shot from Flamini after a driving run from left to right.
Vermaelen made his presence felt at the other end as well. In the 19th minute the Belgian climbed high at the near post to flick a header goalwards from Nasri's left-wing corner. Christian Abbiati brilliantly tipped away that effort and watched another Vermaelen thud wide seconds later.
Arshavin picked up possession 40 yards from goal, close to the left touchline, and surged infield, shrugging off a strong challenge from Gennaro Gattuso before slipping a path to Chamakh to apply a slide-rule finish from 12 yards.
The Moroccan striker couldn't wipe the smile from his face as he celebrated his first goal on English soil. He already looks like a shrewd piece of business and the fans love him already.
Rosicky should have made it two just before the interval, hitting the keeper from close range after Nasri's excellent footwork had fashioned a chance. But Milan reminded all and sundry of their latent threat when Pato found a yard of space inside Emmanuel Eboue and curved a spectacular effort inches over the bar.
The second half was punctuated by substitutions with three as the teams emerged from the tunnel - Theo Walcott, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy.
The replacements were immediately into the action.
First Sagna surged down the right and crossed low for Wilshere, arriving in the six-yard box. A fine block denied the teenager and a similar challenge thwarted Arshavin when Walcott picked out the Russian after a pacy burst into the box.
Flamini was at it again at the other end, spearing a volley straight at Fabianski from a narrow angle. The home fans weren't sure whether to applaud or jeer the Frenchman at the start of the game but by now he was clearly the ‘pantomime villain'.
Milan kept Arsenal on their toes but the home side looked more likely to extend their lead than relinquish it.
Wenger brought on three more substitutes: Carlos Vela, Johan Djourou and Mark Randall. And the Mexican striker caught the eye with 18 minutes left, drifting past one defender and nutmegging another before curling a shot just over.
Chamakh left the field to a standing ovation and, at that point, he looked like the matchwinner. But Milan levelled four minutes after he departed the scene.
It was a soft goal from Arsenal's perspective: Clarence Seedorf curled in a free-kick from the left, Pato was allowed to run free and he glanced a header into the corner.
It hinted at defensive failings that will need to be addressed before more costly goals are conceded in the months to come.
Arsenal had chances to win it, not least when Randall forced two saves from Abbiati after a surge into the penalty area. He should have scored.
But it could have been worse: Milan almost snatched victory with two minutes remaining when Gianluca Zambrotta curled an exquisite effort against the bar.
Source: Chris Harris, Arsenal.com on 31 Jul 10
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