Site Articles
Your Vision – He Changed, Or Has He?
He has changed. I can't ever imagine Wenger in a situation like our rightback's after Sagna leaving, going out and buying a proper experienced replacement AND a young talented one AND loaning out last year's 2nd choice RB. I get we now have the money to buy a replacement but loaning out jenks is ruthless and right. In years past he would have never done that even if it were cheap replacements. Another thing that tells me he has changed a little is Ospina, when have we ever had two good goalkeepers that can be both 1st choice? It's a battle between them and I would think we'll end up selling the loser in two years. That's ruthless and would never have happened before. Last season there was money there, maybe not as much as we think, but still there was money to do good
Carvalho & Khedira aren’t the same / Centre back questions / Crowley Signs
Arsenal don’t need a top class striker
Furthermore, Yaya Sanogo finally unearthed his shooting boots. Usually I don’t judge on a pre-season game – as they’re focused on assessing current squad players, and building up match fitness. Sanogo took his goals very well the other day, but previous performances against Bayern Munich and Liverpool assured to me that was always going to be a handful for opposition defences. I’m just glad he’s finally off the mark, and is not viewed as such a comical player now. So on paper; that’s Giroud, Sanchez and Sanogo. A healthy trio, and a fairly consistent injury record (excluding Yaya) between them
Monaco (h) 1st team performance shouldn’t be a shock & Chambers impresses
I thought Alexis tried too much to the detriment of his performance. He seemed to want to beat a man whenever he got the ball and often lost possession but I'm sure he will get better at picking his moments when he is fitter and sharper. He certainly showed glimpses of his quality. Starting on the right wing with licence to drift inside, there was one moment on the first half where he came inside and threaded one defence splitting pass to Giroud in between a few defenders but the Frenchman's legs could not rotate quickly enough to gain control of the situation and the chance was squandered. Once Theo Walcott is back in that right sided position making those runs in behind the full back and centre back then Alexis Sanchez is more than capable of finding him if indeed he is
Monaco (h) Confirmed Line Up – Alexis starts – Emirates Cup
It is Alexis time as the teamsheets have been plastered on the dressing room walls at the Emirates. The new exciting forward Alexis Sanchez starts as expected. Arsene said he should be getting 45 minutes today. Alongside him is Frenchman Oliver Giroud so we can assume that the new boy will be starting from a wide position.
Benfica (h) – Floodgates open for Yaya, Campbell’s Podli goal & Bellerin thrills
As exciting as Campbell, Ramsey and Sanogo's goals were, I was most impressed with the forward contribution of Hector Bellerin. I've enjoyed watching him in the reserves for a while but really wanted to see him around more senior players. I got my wish yesterday. What instantly stood out was his composure on the ball and lack of fearlessness. His link up with Campbell was impressive and his pick out for Campbell's goal was worth applauding by itself. For years we have seen our right back get to a certain position on the right and fire in crosses into the box without any particular target in mind. One run in the first half was reminiscent of a seasoned winger in his prime. From what I've seen of him at reserve level I love his little darts in behind the opposition left back which has lead to plenty of assists
Benfica (h) Emirates Cup: Campbell & Sanchez striking chance / Youthful defence?
Feels like the summer of 97/98 with inflation
Rejuvenated Wenger ready to take the bull by the horns
