Greetings fellow Gooners, Squid Boy here filling in for Mean Lean who is on his way to Amsterdam. I guess no-one told him that we aren’t defending our trophy there this pre-season!

Arsenal-related news over the past couple of days has been dominated by two of our former players that departed fairly acrimoniously: Messrs Adebayor and Cashley. I will get to them later. But first, a man who left on altogether better terms. King Thierry Henry is in town to take part in the Wembley Cup which involves Spurs, Celtic and the footballing giants that are Al-Ahly. Funny how Spurs are taking part in a pre-season tourney in their own city but aren’t hosting it at their stadium. Ha! Losers.

Anyhoo, The King talks about potential Barca signings. What came across was the different way he spoke about Mascherano and Cesc. Whilst virtually recommending the signing of Mascherano, he stopped way short of doing so for Cesc. A normal player would champion the signing but Thierry is still a Gooner at heart and doesn’t wanna see us lose our talisman. Monsieur Henry: we all still love you.

The one thing he said that struck me was when talking about Arsene’s reluctance to put youngsters in the team:

“But in our side you have 11 or 12 guys who came from the youth team. Arsenal is doing it in the Carling Cup sometimes [but] when I arrived there was Ray Parlour, Ashley Cole, Tony Adams. Arsene doesn’t put the junior players in the first team as Barca does.”

That might seem quite contrary seeing as we’re often accused of being too inexperienced. However, the current crop of youngsters in the first-team squad were acquired at a tender age rather than coming through the ranks. Fear not Thierry, the way our youth side is shaping up I’m sure more born and bred Arsenal players will be strutting their stuff around the Emirates. I read a crazy stat that seven of the starting eleven in the Youth Cup final had played together at under-9 level. Incredible. If even half that number make it through to the first-team, then that will be good enough for me. What’s that old chestnut about the future being red and white?

Johan Djourou speaks to the official site about trying to break through this campaign a la Walcott last season:

“I am ready now, I am ready to step up and I have shown that in the last year. Now I just need to stay fit and show the boss that I am ready to play in the team all season.”

“Theo broke through last season but the centre-back position is always a bit difficult because I am only 22 and there is a lot of experience in the squad in that position. But I need to play to get that experience and I think I did that last season. Now I’m ready to go on from there.”

In my eyes he was the most in-form centre-half at the Club during the first few months of last season and discounting age and experience, he would’ve been my first choice. However, as he himself alludes to, he is still very young for a player in that position. And I’m sure this was a factor in him being dropped in favour of Gallas/Kolo/Silvestre. In days gone by we would’ve seen a 22-year old at the back and given him some leeway to make mistakes, but it’s a sign of the times that he – and we – feel the need for him to be flawless from the off. That said, if he was to start the season as first-choice I would have no qualms whatsoever.

Now onto the villains of the piece. I would re-hash (no Amsterdam-related pun intended) their quotes, but I haven’t got the time or inclination to do so.

I feel Cashley’s words were said half-jokingly, but the truest words are often said in jest. Whatever, I’m not fussed. In fact if I was Arsene, I’d pin his words up in the dressing room and use them as motivation. Cashley’s best-selling autobiography a few years ago didn’t have many kind things to say about the likes of Cesc and Robin – players who have now developed into our leaders. If the siege mentality helps the team be more focused at the start of the season and hit the ground running, then I personally will write a thank you note to Cashley.

So Mr. Tweedy wants us to finish out of the top four? Big deal. Funny thing is I think they are in most danger of being usurped by Man City; for the Chavs are an ageing side and have a new manager to get used to. We on the other hand are an improving side with stability in the dugout (if not in the boardroom). I know which scenario is more conducive to gaining success, and it comes in a red and white package.

Adebayor has also spoken about his move to Citeh. He insinuates that the money on offer was too good to refuse, which is fair enough. If you look at his words carefully there is not a lot of vitriol in what he actually says, but I’m not sure that comparing himself to Cesc – who time and time again has come out on the official website to quash any speculation – in order to gain sympathy is a wise move because Cesc is our captain, our golden boy, the symbol of the Club. If Ade’s words were designed to endear himself to us, then he (or his advisers) better think again.

He also goes on to say that we needed the money from the sale and that he was the easiest cash cow blah blah blah etc etc etc. I just can’t be arsed talking about him. He is no longer a Gooner and therefore shouldn’t enter our thoughts until we play them.

In fact, I don’t think I’ll even boo Adebayor this season. And I’m tired of booing Cashley. I dunno about you, but I’m gonna save my voice for cheering our lads.

Squid Boy

P.S. seeing as it’s Friday, how about some tactical banter in the comments section? How would you line up our front six, and in what formation? For me, Cesc, Andrey and Robin are guaranteed starters. Alongside them I’d have to plump for either Song or Denilson (or A.N. Other – if we sign him) and Eduardo for his predatory instincts. Vela can shadow Eddie, while Bendtner can provide the ‘plan B’. The final position has me flummoxed – Rosicky, Nasri, or Walcott? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.