Arsenal Lift The Cameldome Cup
Jul 29th, 2007 by 'holic
The weather has been kind as Arsenal hosted their stadium sponsor’s first pre-season tournament and everybody has gone home happy as the hosts have claimed the trophy.
In all honesty I think it’s been a very good weekend for the Gunners although you have to say we are still yet to see the likely starting eleven when Fulham arrive for Premiership action in a fortnight.
The victory against PSG on Saturday was more comfortable than the 2-1 scoreline suggested, although to be fair the team did not quite gel. Having said that the two young French stars, Clichy and Diaby, were absolutely top notch.
The goals came from Flamini, who thankfully looks set to stay, and the raw but enthusiastic Bendtner. The big Dane sadly missed an opportunity to double his tally when he saw his poorly struck penalty saved.
The second contest with Inter Milan was a strange affair. Arsenal dominated from the first minute to the last, and yet conceded the opening goal on the hour when William Gallas’ weakness in the air was once again exposed, and Suazo headed home.
The outstanding Hleb, playing in a more central area, provided the equaliser, before Robin Van Persie produced a moment of pure magic to seal the points.
It is well documented on here that I have not been in favour of the promotion of Eboue to a right-sided midfield role. I must admit however that he was the most influential player against Inter, and could have given Arsene Wenger a real selection poser for the opening games. Sadly he once again exhibited the less admirable side of his character, diving and over-reacting, and in what was basically a friendly contest this has to be a concern.
It would be wrong not to mention young Kieran Gibbs who slotted in on the left hand side of midfield and did not look out of place. Both he and Mark Randall have shown during the pre-season games that the next generation of young Gunners has a healthy look, and I’m sure they will be given further opportunities in this seasons Carling Cup squad.
In Amsterdam later this week ‘Le Boss’ will have the last two opportunities to assess his squad. Based on the action so far he will have many questions to resolve. At the back Lehmann deserves to start as number one, although both understudies have performed well thus far.
Does he plump for Sagna at right back, or will Eboue be retained because there is no room for him further forward? Toure and Clichy are surely nailed on to start but does Gallas inspire confidence. He may be a more gifted footballer than Senderos, but does his inclusion affect the balance of the side? How about Hoyte, Djourou and Traore?
Hleb has been extremely impressive in an advanced central midfield role but will he find himself on the right again when the serious business starts? Perhaps Theo Walcott will get the nod? Assuming Rosicky will start on the left who will partner Cesc in the centre against Fulham? Diaby has been outstanding, but the more experienced Flamini and the astonishingly gifted Denilson have done nothing wrong. Good job Gilberto is still on holiday!
And don’t get me started on who should be up front! Let’s get Eduardo’s work permit sorted out before we start wondering about the permutations involving him, Van Persie, Adebayor, and Bendtner.
Did I hear someone say we were lacking strength in depth? You’re having a laugh. With 33 days to go to the end of the transfer window I’m sure we will be adding yet more quality to that line-up.
7 Responses to “Arsenal Lift The Cameldome Cup”
First h’ic again. This is too easy ‘holic!
I’ve only seen highlights of this game, but the team are really starting to gel even though there were many first teamers missing. It’s really heartening to see the adaptability of the players, which gives Arsene so many options to use the same personnel in different positions. If he can add one or two more to the mix we’ve got a really good chance of doing well. Even if he doesn’t manage to add to the current squad, we will not be embarrassed by this bunch.
Having attended to day and watching saturdays games on tv, I have to say in periods they looked very good indeed.
Only dissapointment was not seeing the team do a lap of honour and thank the fans with trophy in hand.
But one player who came out with great credit was Armand Traore. Not only did he play well when he was on the pitch but he also showed how much playing for Arsenal means to him.
It was him alone that carried the trophy to each corner of the Emirates and gave some thanks back to the fans.
Class. If he carry’s on with the sort of attitude he showed at the end then he will live long in us gooners hearts.
Good point about the depth, Dave. We suddenly seem to have more options with Eboue on the right, Hleb in centre etc. I still think Wenger will sign 1-2 more players, especially on the flanks, and that will make things interesting.
Like you, I was also sceptical of Eboue on the right, because he has the pace and a good cross, but I didnt think he had the skill to go past 3 defenders. He proved that wrong yesterday, and it was very good to see. I didnt like his theatrics much, but in his favour, there was no diving. All of them were fouls, just that he made a meal of them. I mean, the ref did call all those fouls, so I wonder why he feels the need to play it up so much.
I think Diaby has done just that little bit more to get in ahead of Flamini, to partner Cesc against Fulham. I am still a little concerned about the defence though. We let in a goal against the run of play, and I hope Arsene fixes that before the Fulham game.
We suprised alot of people at the weekend, myself included. I knew we were better than many have been giving us credit for, but I didn’t realise we were that good – and we were missing several players! Gibbs was a massive plus for me. I didn’t know much about him before Sunday, and still don’t to be fair, but I know he’s a talented lad and I wouldn’t be suprised to see him get a couple of games this season.
If this tournament has proved one thing, it’s that Arsene really does know. Fans, rivals and pundits alike have doubted our title or even our Champions League credentials, all those people are eating their words after just a few pre-season games.
All I can say is bring on Fulham!
Good to see you back Simmo.
If you know Ricky can you give him a slap from me!
I’m starting to get really upbeat about our chances this season. Remember everyone saying United would struggle without horseface last season?
Keep everything crossed!
Haha, I’m afraid I don’t Dave….7th H’ic. 😉
Me too Dave. When Henry left the initial reaction was to just panic and wonder which ‘big name’ would come in. Now, having thought about it, it was definantly for the best. Not only has it freed up a lot of cash, it’s also freed a lot of players! Espically players like Hleb and Van Persie – the most frequent victems of ‘The Glare.’