Well that went well, I almost mis-spelt blog as bolg in the title, not a good omen I'm sure.
A quick word on the weekend action as Arsenal "B" team took to the field against Leyton Orient, there's no point reviewing the match now as I'm sure you've formulated your own opinions as to the result, but it was pleasing to watch the performance of Ignasi Miquel on his debut; the goal aside he was generally composed and held firm against a strong Orient front-line. Let's hope he can build on this and, along with Bartley, challenge for a first-team place in the future.
Speaking the day after the match, Wenger spoke about his opposition to changes to the Cup and about the way in which lower league teams have improved since his arrival at the club.
With the club not in action until Wednesday, it looks like a bit of transfer speculation will have to do for today. Following his impressive performance last week, Barcelona were linked with a move for Jack Wilshere in the summer, an idea that was quashed quite quickly by Pep Guardiola. To be frank, that was never one that really looked like happening, given Jack's affiliation with the club for almost ten years now. However, the Mirror has pulled a stunner here, Barcelona are interested in none other than...... Cesc Fabregas! Who saw that one coming? According to the Mirror's website, the Catalonian club are ready to weigh in with a £38m offer. In all honesty, this get tedious about a year ago. Aside from the fact that they're bloody annoying, is the offer not way under the club's asking price, i.e. £50m?
Elsewhere Arsenal-news-wise, not that much I'm afraid. According to Young Guns Blog, head scout Steve Rowley was watching on from the stands during Feyenoord's weekend action; checking up on the progress of Ryo Miyaichi as he plies his trade on loan, as well as watching 19-year old centre back Stefan de Vrij amidst ongoing speculation around his future. Contracted until the summer of 2012, he is seen as one of Holland's biggest talents.
A few weeks ago, YoungGuns also broke a story about 15-year old Swedish midfielder Kristoffer Olsson joining the club for a second trial following a first trial in the summer. The Daily Mail backed the story up, with the possibility of Olsson's compatriot Robert Mirosavic getting a second trial, having joined Olsson in the summer.
And finally, a round-up of the loanees progress this week by.... YoungGuns. Who else? Carlos Vela, Benik Afobe and Henri Lansbury looked to be the winners this week with Vela coming on, changing the game and equalising for West Brom in the 91st minute as they drew 1-1 with Wolves. Afobe had a hand in Huddersfield's equaliser as he came off the bench with 17 minutes left and Lansbury played 74 minutes before looking tired, but did manage to equalise for Norwich City whilst on the pitch. Kyle Bartley also got big match experience under his belt, having a quiet game in central midfield for Rangers as they lost the Old Firm derby.
Elsewhere, JET came on for Cardiff and caused problems for both sides with dangerous shots testing the Nottingham Forest keeper and what looked like attitude problems testing the patience of Cardiff manager Dave Jones, or maybe Paul Jones. Well it's definitely something Jones anyway. He has talent, but he won't last a minute at Arsenal if he carries on like that. JET that is, not this Jones fellow. Aaron Ramsey wasn't in the squad. Shame, it remains to be seen whether or not his loan will be extended. You would think not.
That's all for now folks. Click on the word comments (below) if there's something you want to say. Until tomorrow. :)
Nice blog, good start. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have to admire Cesc's profesionalism to not even let the constant speculation affect his performances.
Oh yeah, absolutely.
ReplyDeleteIt's more than just fulfilling a contract, you can see how much he wants to win it for the team when he's playing.
What a predicament for someone so young though, I certainly don't blame him for wanting to return to Barca, but it's nice to see the loyalty to the club that made him the player he is.
why is wenger goin with youngsters?
ReplyDeletewe need quality experienced players!
sell squillaci, almunia, denilson, rosicky.
buy chiellini, good italian centreback, will fit in well with djourou. should get given as well.
class keeper.
Well it's not as simple as that, you need to bring in quality youngsters as well as seasoned players. As far as selling players goes, the transfer window is closed; so good luck with that.
ReplyDeleteWith Koscielny, Djourou and Vermaelen more than capable, why would our fourth centre-back be someone who is in the Italian first XI? That's not realistic, unlike Squillaci retiring in a few seasons, leaving space for Bartley and Miquel to develop. As for Given, that would just slow down the growth of Fabianski and Szczesny, who have both been good this season.