Football Is Coming Home
Aug 1st, 2014 by 'holic
So with friendlies in the contrasting settings of Boreham Wood and New York behind us the bar is raised just a little for the return of the Emirates Cup. Arsenal face Benfica on Saturday and AS Monaco on Sunday in front of two sell-out crowds. The two visiting sides will also play Valencia. Hopefully a decent weekend of football lies in store.
Of course the supporters will be looking forward to grabbing a look at the available new signings. Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, and Calum Chambers are all expected to feature although new goalkeeper David Ospina is ruled out with a thigh injury picked up against Brazil in the World Cup. Arsene confirmed that Joel Campbell will also feature so here is hoping he impresses in an area that remains under question for us.
Our World Cup winners are still on holiday getting a well-earned rest so there will be an opportunity for some other squad members to stake a claim for starting berths when the Premier League season kicks off in a fortnight. Ignasi Miquel may get at least one start alongside Laurent Koscielny with Thomas Vermaelen also ruled out by injury. Maybe Chambers will also get a chance to show his versatility in that position.
Mesut Ozil’s playmaker role should fall to Tomas Rosicky or Santi Cazorla. I can see Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta being paired at the base at least once, with maybe an opportunity for Jack Wilshere and Mathieu Flamini in the other fixture. In the absence of Lukas Podolski it would not be a surprise to see Alexis starting on the left flank opposite the Ox on the other wing.
The accepted practice is for Twitter and Facebook to provide a minute by minute assessment of where we stand. Try instead sitting back, taking a wider view of the matches. These will not be played with a full intensity given the stage of preparation we have reached. Consider them more as opportunities to get the new faces accustomed to what is expected of them, and the old heads to sharpen up physically. As Arsene himself said,
“It is a real test of fitness and of tactical preparation. I am more interested in the fitness.”
Arsenal last won their own tournament four years ago. Last year Galatasaray took the trophy with two late goals against us in the Sunday decider. As we went on to get the no silverware in x years monkey off our shoulder I think we can agree that success this weekend is merely an optional extra.
If you are going then have a great day or weekend. I am ruled out until the opening Premiership fixture against Crystal Palace so I will be envious of you tomorrow. I must admit I would love to be there for a first glimpse of Alexis, potentially a great addition to the squad.
Have a good one, ‘holics.
173 Responses to “Football Is Coming Home”
Oh great. Season hasn’t even begun and ‘Holic’s ruled out for three weeks.
Hehe 🙂
Chelsea’s position for the coming season. Cheers ‘holic.
Cheers for the preview ‘H.
Looking forward to seeing the new signings in the flesh. Also looking forward to seeing what kind of impact some of the kids – Hayden, Zelalem and Bellerin- can make.
That, and the double-header drinking 😉
No further interest in 4th ! 😉
Excellent. The silly season is over? *hides guilty tweets under pilow*. Then let the drinking begin (continue) …
Oh, just as well !
Will I count as like a new signing vs Palace ? 😉
That’s not a bad top 6! Old Skool…. 😉
Saaaaaaaannnchhhhhhheezzzzzzzzzzz!
😀
top 10? let’s do the twist…
Nice one, Guv. A taste of the season to come.
Uply – thr news getd worse gor your bowls matches, as Oxonne and I will be in S Devon the week after next.
COYG
Cheers H! Lovely stuff mate. Who was that fucking twunt on twitter earlier? Needs to learn some manners so he does. Silva’s about for Palace mate, should be a great day out. Crying shame I cant make it. Triste la guerre, as ever.
… the news gets worse for…
Blimey, I REALLY MUST proofread before submitting. Never gonna happen.
Nice preview H.
I must confess that I struggle to get excited about The Emirates Cup as I do about any friendly. I think that I have got so annoyed with the amount of players we have lost over the years in meaningless games that I’m always happy when the final whistle goes and we come out unscathed.
Two sell out crowds will no doubt be full of families enjoying the day which is a big positive. I hope those going very much enjoy their day. I hope the football is good and there is nothing to trouble the treatment room.
New signing Trev. Loved the misty eyed Flappy quote. If we don’t sign another striker who knows, we might need him back to play up front???
🙂
Heh, Catalan.
Just what I was thinking. Full squad back in pre-season training. 😉
There are one or two gooduns in the top 12 too, but that Steve T’s a bit dodgy. 😉
I will never be immune to the excitement of an Arsenal game but zip gave always viewed the Emirates Cup from a distance.hers wishing for a safe passage for our lads. Let’s hope we learn some positive things about new players and young tyros
Tottenham’s position in the Premier a League next season!
Nice one guv – hope your prediction for your return is not an Arsenal timeing! Good to see the first team squad flexing their fingers (and thumbs) in readiness for the new season. Panglossdroid – extra sessions for you old bean 😉
I hope to see a great match..giroud should also be loaned out or beta still be sold.
Seems the recent family BBQ with AW and myself paid off.
First we saved jenks from being sold and now AW has confirmed that joel will play a big part in arsenal this season.
Oskar, I believe that maybe 2 nil my way, not that anyone is scoring.
If sanchez plays striker that will be a clean sweep.
Tabs in previous drinks- your point re carl was noted and the only reason that carl was saved from being sold was I mentioned to AW that there was a strong undercurrent of support from the holics for him to remain at arsenal. AW simply skulled his remaining bundy rum, grabbed another from the bar fridge and grunted a stern but pleasant Ok,Carl can stay.
I expect AW to return during the international break for more discussions Bout the squad as the pool will be a bit warmer and he wants to climb the harbour bridge.
Can AW stretch to a new spill chucker for ttg ? 😉
See @17 ?!
Aussie, I’m quite enjoying your new style/approach to discussing about our beloved club. More of whatever you’ve been having recently on Lars’ tab for you, Sir.
I am expecting a dour struggle on Saturday in The Ems Cup. And that’s just to get the Arsenal Player going down here to try to get some highlights.
Does t’internet really rely on how far from London you are. This poxy router where I’m staying just drops out every two or three minutes.
Not ideal and no prospect of getting it altered. 🙁
Cent,
If you noticed, Aussie has the barbie on.
It’s warming up down under – matron! – and barbies to Aussies are like happy pills. Snags, prawns and barbies = happy Aussies, otherwise there a bunch of moaning bastards !
In a nice way. 😉
Aussie – Haha, fair enough 🙂
Trev – That’ll teach you to go to Devon on a match day 😉
There are stirrings and rustlings down in the forest.
The 7 Dwarves are awakening from their summer slumbers.
Stretching,groaning,farting and belching,the air is fetid and close.
In another part of the forest their close friends the Sprites,Pixies and Elves are also awakening from their summer slumbers.
Although as they are not as coarse as their near Neighbors,their early morning ablutions are conducted rather more discreetly.
As the day progresses and the clans all meet up for a long lunch,you notice that they are all wearing red and white,and as the breeze wafts softly through the forest, you can just hear the little ditty they are singing quietly among themselves.
” Hi Ho Hi Ho we’re back to the Ems tomorrow,Hi Ho Hi Ho Hi Ho Hi Ho.”
Haha, sweeper 🙂
Heh @ Trev @29.
Tabs … Your #419 in previous round.
The problem (one of them) with blogs like this is having to repeat yourself every time you post on an issue lest aspects of your opinion previously stated have been forgotten, or never read. This is a case in point. I dislike stats as much as you seem to. Whoever (it’s debatable) authored the ‘lies, damn lies and statistics’ phrase probably never said anything truer. When I mention stats it is tongue in cheek and aimed at those who seem to live by them. Likewise comparisons with the first seasons of other players is equally irrelevant. If you believe that Özil’s first season was better than DB’s, you’re welcome to your opinion. I’ve no idea how you compare the two. In return I just mention Santi, who’s first season was excellent, and his second … not. Comparisons are … ?
For the record I never referred to the 2012-13 season specifically. I referred to the ‘barren years’ meaning most of the period since Henry’s departure, as I have referenced on many occasions previously. I was continually frustrated (as I’m sure many were) by the number of wasted opportunities in game after game, year after year. Especially in games we just HAD to win. Enough chances were usually created, but too often spurned. It’s the main reason why I believe Özil was a luxury we never needed half as much as a striker of similar quality … Suarez being my striker of choice this time last year.
I disagree with you that Özil’s form slump was due (wholly or in part) “because our only 2 players who regularly got ahead of the ball – Walcott and Ramsey – got injured“. I believe the loss of Walcott and Ramsey was way more significant to the team’s performance prior than Ozil’s ever was. That, if anything, their influence during the table-topping period made him look better than he was.
I have never said other than that Özil is a supremely talented player. That he had a disappointing first season with Arsenal. And that he demonstrated a poor attitude on several occasions. I could list dozens of links I have found to articles agreeing with this but the system here will not allow me to. I could transcribe those links in a way which would not post them as links but that would be tedious. And if I posted just a sample you could easily dismiss it as just someone’s one opinion and not indicative, so I won’t do that either. They’re not hard to find.
I have my opinion, you have yours. We need not agree, and we can both hope Ozil will perform better in the future … me with more optimism than you because I clearly see much more room for improvement. 😉
Drink on the bar for you, sir. Hopefully we can share one next time I make it to England.
Öskar
Time now to back-read. And I’ll get back to you later, Aussie!
Öskar
yawn.
fart.
scratch.
so we’re still moaning on Ozil…precious.
cheers cent, the new style/approach is simply in line with Arsene and the clubs clear showing their clear intent for the arse to be our best, win, lose or draw.
But Trev does know, we are a happy lot when the barbie is on and the snags and T Bones are sizzling, even happier when the keg is full and the arse are at their best.
I did have the barbie on last season, but spent more time throwing the snags and prawns at the tele, with some of our performances.
Anyways, our squad is looking very tidy indeed this season with just about two strong players in each position.
Cheers Oskar, sounds like i should quit while I am ahead…
Wenger said that Sánchez could play against Monaco on Sunday and even enjoy a brief run-out against Benfica on Saturday. He has tracked the Chilean since his time at Udinese and he believes that he can play as a striker or out wide.
“At the moment, I want to see him in both positions, to see him,” Wenger said. “But I took him because he is a player who has the qualities of Walcott – he goes behind the defenders off the ball. With the quality of his runs, he can be very important for us. I love pace and when we lost Walcott [to injury in January], we suffered a little bit on that front.
…………….. I like the fact that Sánchez can play left, right and up front.”
———————-
There we have it, a new dimension, Sanchez can play as lone striker or at both flanks. Great news as it will keep competition keen!
Start the season already… Come on!
😀
Arsenal’s new goalkeeper David Ospina will miss the Emirates Cup after picking up a thigh strain in training.
—————–
Our new signing is getting well settled and acquainted with us already it seems.
Clive. In a recent survey 6 out of 7 dwarfs said they were not Happy.
Just saying.
🙂
Hi ho
Here’s to a couple of wins with a barrow load of goals for the Gunners today and tomorrow. Not sure I can see the game here in Helsinki so will drop into this fine hostelry for updates.
COYRs.
The official Arsenal Twitter account just nicked ‘holic’s headline.
And nice to see you back in the preview groove Guvna.
BB – great news about Sanchez and AW confirming he can play up front as the lone striker.
Very close to a 3 nil whitewash Oskar.
Never underestimate the quality and depth of discussions held at an Aussie barbie.
I wont even raise what AW said he has planned for Miguel and Sonogo.
Can anyone confirm exactly what is happening with johan djourou ?
I must admit I am confused with his current playing or non playing status
My. If the bar stays in such good humour i promise teacher to be in better attendance this season!
Salud, todos!
BB: Ospina was not inured in training, it happened in the World Cup.
So, loads of footie to look forward to today and I for one am starting to feel quite excited about the start of league season edging ever closer. In pretty much exactly thirteen days (to the minute) as I type this I’ll be starting my journey towards the airport and then to London and then hopefully we can defeat Tony Pulis and his cohorts to give ourselves a good start to the season (I am not by any means expecting an easy game btw, if Palace have managed to maintain what they built in primarliy the second half of last season we will be in for one hell of a fight for the three points). Friends I haven’t seen for a few months and some I have seen just two weeks ago will be there, new aquaintances will undoubtedly be made, the beer will be flowing, good times will be had, hopefully the sun will be shining and the hangovers not too bad.
BRING ON THE FOOTIE!
Morning all.
Well jealous of those of you who are going this weekend. Give Alexis another cheer from me 🙂
Aussie @33,
Nice one. And I do sometimes share your frustrations at elements of our performances as, I think, do most people in the bar. The trick, for me, is to stop, wait and try to think why these things are happening.
I don’t believe, in the end, that either the manager or the players ever want us to lose, or be less than our best. The question is, as Steve T will happily tell you, what is our best ?
At times it has, through necessity, been Bendtner and Denilson.
It is now, through years of solid, hard work, vision and perseverence, Özil and Sanchez.
I try to think that it’s never a player’s fault if he is not good enough – only if he doesn’t work hard enough. Sometimes, through lack of money, or the failure of a young player to develop as well as expected, we have had players who weren’t good enough to challenge right at the very top.
That has changed now, and the rapidly changing quality of the squad reflects that fact.
Some clubs have dropped three divisions and never recovered from what we have now successfully achieved.
One man has been a constant through the whole process of conceiving of, building and paying for the new stadium, thereby elevating the club to the point where it can afford and attract Özils, Sanchezes and many more.
He has taken a dog’s abuse at times for refusing to quit and go and spend the unlimited funds available at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. People have dressed themselves in bin bags to express their disdain for his efforts.
Well, not this person or the vast majority of drinkers in this bar. I can’t wait for the new season. Here’s hoping it brings more pride and more success for us in this bar and for Gooners everywhere.
But mostly for the fella on the touchline in the awkward coat that he can never quite manage to do up.
He does have a few other abilities and he deserves it.
Ah, Morning Holic,
Cross-posting I see. 😉
@Lars
With regards to Ospina, did not know that, thought he was injury free when he joined us, nevertheless he is getting used to the Arsenal way
(hopefully of the past… no more long injuries this season please!).
@Aussie
Who else are we signing?!? : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SECVGN4Bsgg
😀
Start the season already.. or at least the Ems cup.. want to see Sanchez!
Oskar, just a few points in response …
– Couldn’t agree with you more on stats, especially the meaningless ‘assists’ one.
– however, I couldn’t disagree with you more that ‘comparisons with other players is equally irrelevant’. It is, quite simply, not the case. Direct comparisons between for example a right back and a left winger cannot be made, but more general statements as to what player had a better season, who had more impact on the side etc etc are made all the time. And quite rightly so. For example, I wouldn’t pretend to compare say Bergkamp and Overmars as players (2 different positions, apples and pears etc etc), but I can state quite categorically that Overmars’ performances and impact on the side was greater than Bergkamp’s in their debut seasons . We do it all the time, simply by stating who has had a good season, who has been average, and who has had a poor season. For that reason I stand by my original contention that Ozil had a greater impact on the side than Bergkamp in his first year, and that even if I accepted that Ozil had a ‘disappointing’ first season (which I absolutely don’t), then in any event, judging a player on his first season, especially in a new country, is a fools game. The subsequent brilliance of Bergkamp and Pires, after difficult first seasons, rather proves the point.
– Re your second paragraph, I have no idea of the point you are trying to make. You stated quite categorically in the last bar that creating chances hasn’t been a problem for Arsenal even in the barren years . That is demonstrably wrong as evidenced by much of what went on in 12/13. Just a guess, but I think AW went shopping in the summer of 2013 with reference to the season that had just gone, and not the needs of seasons past. I therefore reiterate my point. Arsenal of 12/13 needed creativity, demonstrably so, and AW went out and bought the best in the business. Ozil was not therefore a luxury as you have constantly inferred, and his impact on the side’s creativity was there for all to see.
– We’ll have to agree to disagree on the impact of (a) Ramsey’s and Theo’s injuries on Ozil and (b) Ozil’s injury on the side. They are matters of opinion, and, to use your phrase, you are welcome to yours. I am surprised, however, that the isolation in which you find yourself on this one hasn’t given you pause to reconsider.
-I don’t want links to articles, transcriptions, or samples to ‘the dozens’ of articles. Just names. Pretty easy to do. I suspect that you realise that providing those names will open yourself to ridicule. I suspect that, on that score at least, you might be right. When your allies are likely to be (just guessing) Shearer, Savage and Stewart Robson, then it’s time, I would suggest, to turn it in.
– For the record, I have no problem with your opinion (even though I couldn’t disagree with it more). I do however have a problem with the depressing regularity with which it’s stated. At times during the World Cup, it seemed like there was a daily Ozil dig. There cannot be a regular reader of this blog who can be in any doubt as to your opinion of Ozil. The last bar was a case in point. A fairly innocuous discussion on possible new formations and whether Ozil might be deployed elsewhere other than the hole, led immediately to accusations from you that he would be ‘wasted again ‘, that he was ‘disinterested’, ‘not up for the weekly grind’, ‘not bothering’, and where his ‘attitude’ and ‘enthusiasm’ were once again questioned – all highly subjective opinion stated as fact, and rather at odds with any quantifiable stat as to the effort Ozil made. Finally, the contention that he gives ‘ only his best when playing internationals’ is demonstrably wrong and, I’m afraid, laughably so.
– Ta for the drink. More than happy to buy you one in person if you ever make it over, and tell you just how wrong you are on this one 😉
Trev, excellent stuff@46!
And Aussie, I like this new positive you 😉
Said Stevie G about everything Suarez… Ad nauseam : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv-34w8kGPM
Alright alright I’ll show meself the door….
😀
BT sport? Meh. Stream hunting for me then.
That’s for later. Off to the beach in my best bikini and Jimmys…..
As Dr C @43, I too must try harder this season. In mitigation, last season was all Johan Djourou for me, here, there and nowhere.
As each season tends to be a breakthrough season for at least one player, excluding the new signings, who is the smart money on to breakthrough? I’m favouring Serge Gnabry, mainly from a totally subjective reckoning that when he did play last season, his team-mates actively sought him out to pass to, in contrast to Sanogo who appeared to be used more as a decoy than an active participant.
This squad looks like one that can give us all optimism for the season ahead. Fine post above Trev. Your wifi connection lasted the pace.
With another two signings at DMF and CB I do believe we will challenge and then we shall see what our men are capable of.
COYRs.
Nice one Trev @46
Aussie – re Djourou, you’re right, confusion reigns. There were reports last March that his loan deal was made permanent. This seems to now be unclear given that he still appears as a player on .com. Nobody seems to know if he is still our player. Either way I would be surprised- nay astonished- if he plays any part at Arsenal going forward.
Lars – will look forward to seeing you in a fortnight. Gonna be a long one. 😉
Right, off to the Ems. Don’t normally do the Ems Cup but £70 for two days in the posh seats was too good an offer to turn down. Come on you Gunners!
My Dear Old Thing, Dr C,
This year’s Jimmy’s look rather fetching teamed with the standard green theatre gown.
Might think twice about the cap though !
Have a good one, Tabs.
Lucky bugger ! 😉
Cheers Lars, bath,
The WiFi is in and out like a fiddler’s elbow.
Up and down like a whore’s draws.
Take your pick. 😉
Dr J .. Good on you!
Dr T … But it’s a Dutch cap …. Comes in handy!
Dr C – apparently Arsenal Player is showing the game live, so if you have digital membership (which is free I reckon) you can avoid streamhunting and BT aswell. Which is what I am going to do.
Arsenal Player is NOT showing the game, it’s audio only.
Trev@46- all fair and reasonable comments and it is nice to see AW smiling after a few tough seasons. Good advice on stopping and thinking next time we don’t play as well as hoped or expected. Maybe I will get a screen out in the backyard nearer the barbie for watching the arse this season… It may be my Zen place.
Lars- AW was a Wiley old fox when it came to transfer discussions.
Even after I slipped him a couple of doubles on ice, he would simply give a big smirk and say, even you have to wait and see Aussie…
I actually think he knew they were doubles as he skilfully knocked them back just slow enough so I didn’t notice he was enjoying them.
He was quite happy to talk of those he had brought in or those he has other plans for.
I did get the feeling he may have a surprise or two left or perhaps he is just bloody happy with what he has assembled in a considerably quick period this transfer period with little fuss or fanfare.
Either way we are on the up and the sun is shining a bit more each day here….
Tabs- Johan is still listed on arsenal.com but has no number ?
oh thanks for correction Lars – from the menu in arsenal player it looked like they are going to show it live. Streams it is then.
For US viewers, today’s games are available online at Watch ESPN. However Spanish commentary only.
Tomorrow’s Arsenal match is available at ESPN 2 as well.
Never seen so many doctors in the bar before!well done lonestars little one.
Oh Trev, Westward Ho!. Played a lot of cricket there on tours. There used to be a roller disco above the putting green where lads would be lads 😉
Enjoy the pebble Ridge 🙂
I’ll be at tomorrow’s game vs Monaco, so I’m rather selfishly hoping for a relatively ‘weak’ Arsenal XI today.
I feel it in my bones. THIS is going to be a very good season for the Arsenal. Whatever happens this weekend.
Hmm, Roller Disco you say?
*slaps on skates and heads for Devon*
Cheers Trev.
Aussie – ’tis a mystery.
http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/02/karim-benzema-cant-even-get-a-game-at-real-madrid-john-aldridge-hits-out-at-striker-over-disrespectful-liverpool-transfer-rejection-4819068/
I may not be Benzema’s biggest fan, but calling a player who as averaged pretty much exaxtly 50 games a season for the past four seasons a “bit-part player” is perhaps not the best way of trying to assert your position as an expert…
Aussie/tabs: Djourou is indeed a mystery. He is still under contract with the club but has no squad number and from what I understand hasn’t taken part in any training sessions with the club. Very very weird.
Jimmy Rollers – now there’s a thought…….. 😉
Hi Trev
” Dog abuse ” , I must say that you are completely wrong as our AW used to say in press conference . Nobody abuse dog now day , including folks in Montreal .
One must change ” Dog abuse ” to ” Husband abuse or Wife abuse “
Heh Lars,
It’s Thompson Syndrome.
Deluded, self-entitled – seemed ok to the Scousers when Steeeeve G said Arsenal weren’t big enough for Suarez, but not ok for someone already at Real Madrid to say Liverpool aren’t big enough.
They still think they’re the biggest club in the world………
It never ceases to amaze me how Liiiiiiiiverpoooooeeeelllllllll fans always think of themselves as righteous kings of England. Apart from the piffle spouted by most of the ex-players in the mainstream media, they’re simply a poorly managed club who have managed to finally get back into Europe again for the first time in many years. There’s no denying they’ve a wonderful history with 5 European cups, but their fall from grace has been a sad affair for some time now and a warning to other clubs.
This year will be a real test of Buck Rogers management credentials without the toothed one.
Trev, “Thompson Syndrome” sounds like a sutiable name for such a serious condition!
Joe, spot on.
What is this? Chambers and Nacho?!
Nice one ‘holic, thanks, as always, for the blog.
From previous.
Congrats to Lonestar’s daughter, that’s no mean feat being accepted to a proffessional academy, good luck.
To all those going tomorrow, enjoy. I was thinking of popping over for this one, but decided to wait a few weeks. I’ll be over for Palace and like Lars will be looking forward to meeting and sharing a drink with a lot of you fine gooners again.
For now, Arsenal back on the box………
COME ON YOU RIP ROARING!!
The first zoom in for the new FA Cup winners 2014sign in the Ems has happened…..
I bet it won’t be the last. 🙂
Campbell looks sharp and is up for it!
Come on!
😀
Campbell shoulda scored…
Sanago too.
Yes…… and that is why we paid for Sanchez…!
🙂
Lovely run from The Panther, bent his run to stay inside there like a wily veteran.
Just can’t help but believe that once Sanogo or Joel scores a few, they’ll keep it up… looks like a confidence issue.
However we’re getting in the balls to the business end no problems there..!
Sanogoooooooooooooooooal
Sanogo!
any livestream guys??
Back heel goal.. i take it back.. no lack of confidence there! Maybe need a lil bit o’ luck then 🙂
Ramsey is picking up where he left off.. brilliant!
SC,
http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=268763&part=sports
Thanks BB
Not sure a goal in a friendly I’ve ever watched seemed so important. He really, really needed that.
If Per or Kos ever get injured, we’ll have a huge problem… we need a proper replacement for Vermy assuming he goes..!
That’s it then, am going to harp on Khedira.
😀
Martinez doesn’t look pleased with the defence and Sczcers looks worried.. 😀
Campbeeellllll
Campbell!
Alright.. i think we can agree that Sanogo and Campbell deserve their chance with us this season 😀
The Panther doing what The Panther does 🙂
Ohhh… close!
Oooooooo
That was a nice move.
BOOM!
Congrats, H2H.
Nice goal to add to the other two.
also Bellerin is surely looking like giving Debuchy run for his money.
SANOGOOOOAL
aha!:D
Cheers Toby.
What a goal. And how many right backs do we have now?
Well in H2H!
Brilliant one touch stuff there!
HATRICK!!!!
YAYA! fuck me sideways lol!:D
Last season we played with Giroud. Now we’ve got Giroud, Sanchez and Sanogo.
Oh Yaya Sanogo! Lol
Ah.. with confidence comes luck!
And we have yet to see Sanchez too!
No more strikers please, give these lads a chance and get that DM and CB!
😀
As ever, Arsene Knows.
Good man Yaya 🙂
well, well, well. what pleasure was *that*?
congrats to yaya and Joel. bellerin brilliant going forward.
Toby,
Don’t forget Campbell, he was unlucky with two shots and he scored and made an assist.
Good Riddance to Bendtner!!!
😀
for all he may miss, sanogo just does not quit. that last goal was beautiful.
I think he’s just finding his feet Scruz… those lanky legs are tricky, reminds me of Diaby at his best!
Campbell can definitely play in the EPL too!
😀
Yep, it’s important to remember to not demand that all these players should become and perform as world class players during the seasons. If a few more do than last seasons, and a few more can just ship in with their part, we’ll have one good season. Even if Sanogo won’t become a 25 goal a season striker just because he got a hattrick today, it can’t be a bad thing that he started scoring.
Let us give players like him and Campbell our support during the season. They might not live up to CL-final standards, but this might well be a season of evolution for them, as long as some valuable performances for the team. We’re competing in four competitions, don’t forget.
It’SaNoGo – It’SaGoGo,
Mind you, I’ve seen nothing yet – and I did that pun before Arseblogger ! 😉
bb, agreed about him finding his feet. my joy atm is tempered by the preseason nature of the fixture. but Campbell’s goal was the pick of the bunch. what a cross!
btw, lonestar, many congrats on the little miss dallas fc. an imperial pint of your choice on the bar for you, proud daddy 🙂
What a first half performance.
Bloody hell he’s got 4
Once you pop… 🙂
Gets even better 😀
Wow. He deserves it, bravo Yaya.
Take Sanogo off Wenger or Benfica won’t be back for anymore pre-seasons!
😀
Campbell made it happen again.
four. just wow. sagogoal indeed. great control on the bring down.
Now that we can focus all our resources on a holding player and a centre half we can really afford to splurge 🙂
santi for ox: injury or run out?
It is just one game against shaky Benfika defense, but I am just wondering will the haters and doubters give the chance that young lad deserves?
man, bellerin is quick.
Benfica taking off half their team.. they may want to make something of this yet!
All change…..
Always bad to change before a set piece.
le coq being given a chance at DM.
ah crap. that was poor.
Whereforth art thou Khedira?
Your destiny awaits you here!
😀
Sanchez coming on!
😀
Alexis…coming on. well done, yaya. really.
Like le coq.
Will he make it?
What a fabulous performance this has been. Bellerin an chambers really impressive as well.
Can’t wait for next weekend. A great chance to put a marker down for the new season and put behind us last seasons grim capitulations.
Forward
138 – #FreeCarvahlo 🙂
Alexis chuba and sanogo…giter done!
Did you see Alexis running back to take that Benfica player out?!?!
I like him already!
😀
Emirates cup is being telecasted live on Start Sports in India :-0
telecast*
No.27 Cancelo… I feel your pain 😀
Happy days 🙂
not sure about le coq based on this performance.
grinning at le guv.
Hey ‘Holic. Long time since I’ve been around, so saying a personal hello.
Good game. We’ve got a squad.
what fun that was!
nice bit of skill by santi before that chance where Coquelin hit the post. Do not want to overestimate the result but the team really looks sharp, looking forward tomorrows match already
We have got a team!
And we haven’t even got our WC winners back yet.
Shore up our defence and we’re set for a title or three!
😀
Yaya Sanogo ‘pays tribute’ to Steven Gerrard after netting first Arsenal goal
http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/02/yaya-sanogo-pays-tribute-to-steven-gerrard-after-netting-first-arsenal-goal-4819400/
——————-
HAHAHHAHAHAHAH 😀
Well, as much as you should never go overboard with a loss in a pre-season friendly you shouldn’t do it for wins either but there were a lot of promising signs today. As expected the team looked far more sharp than last weekend and some of the stuff we produced in the first half was really, really good. Now, I have no idea how strong a team Benfica had out but we certainly didn’t have our strongest XI out there either.
And I never thought I’d actually say this but… I hope Sanogo’s injury isn’t too bad. Four very well taken goals, all from proper poachers’ positions. Him and Campbell certainly made very good arguments for their continued inclusions in the squad.
Damien Martinez was very calm and composed, a far cry from the bundle of nerves we saw in that mad League Cup game at Reading about two years ago. Now, this was of course not a competitive game and he wasn’t tested that much but I can certainly see why he’s so highly rated within the club.
There were probably more things I had to say but time to start preparing some food. Yeah yeah, eatin’s cheatin’ and all that… 🙂
How fun was that!!
Sanogo’s movements were rather good, and the finish for his third goal was that of a very good striker’s. Ready to deputize Giroud?
Campbell is really quality on the ball, what a control and reverse pass to Rambo for the fifth goal, could have scored one or two more himself on another day. And clever with his positioning and the late arrival (the way he scored his goal) in the box. Physically probably is not yet a ninety minute PL player, but definitely deserves a chance to prove himself.
Akpom should definitely go for a loan at one of the better Championship clubs where he can play consistently for a full season. Couple of brilliant touches, one to spin and run was memorable.
Going forward Bellerin was brilliant. Defensively not quite there yet, but terrific speed, close control and passing range.
Quite liked Chambers too. Calm and composed, good anticipation and comfortable playing out of the back.
The highly anticipated DM, one more experienced CB once TV5 leaves and we are close.
Oh, the #17 looked rather sharp too.
Lars @ 157: Martinez seems to have the presence that is needed for a top quality GK. Technically looked good too, the two-palmed save from the free-kick was textbook.
sanogo injured, lars?
or should I call you “softie”?
Wow Sanogo is more of a ball to scorer than a runner.
But Campbell, wow. A complete beats on the ball. And that shot?
I saw Martinez in a League Cup game at The Ems two seasons ago and he looked terrific.
Have always been a bit mystified as to how he seemed to drop out of the reckoning. Good to hear he is back.
Now to wait for highlights on dot com – if the coffee cups and string are tight enough 😉
@ 162 *foot
I didn’t see much so can’t really comment on the game but I will say those new shirts are fucking rank. Design is ok but slim fit shirts are evil and they appear to hold onto and show very clearly, all the sweat, which is going to be very “interesting” when the middle aged beer swillers (and their bellies) show up wearing one on a warm day 😉
Some News :
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140802/wenger-on-sanogo-campbell-and-alexis
..and i found out something about Alexis… :-
Wenger-All good Alexis?: http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/696×392/aug_14/gun__1406898163_sanchez_training.jpg
Wenger-Can you help the defence as well?! :
http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/406×310/aug_14/zp_504630999_SM_3288_9A_175099_2440.jpg
Wenger-You’ll replace Campbell : http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/08/02/1407005518466_wps_26_Arsenal_s_French_manager_.jpg
Thumbs Up!
😀 😀 😀
Alexis’ favourite sign is the thumbs up! 😀
Thought the new kit looks superb. Definitely one for players only, but still looks superb. I’d love a pair of the socks though 😉
This is encouraging:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140802/ox-new-signings-have-given-us-a-boost
Everyone out to catch the bosses eye. Just what we need. What a fabulous season we have ahead of us. Worth remembering that our record previous seasons in big games even with weaker sides has been quite good, it seems fairly random. A little swing the other way and we are flying… Next weekend would be a great way to get that moving 🙂
Forward
The new shirts are a cunning marketing plan.
We’re going to have to buy two and sew them together ! 😉
Trev …. LOL!
😀
Watching ManU and Real…ManU looking quite sharp. LVG has certainly shaped them up!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
For those who missed the match, here’s the highlights of the goals :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrmfee7MT_o