Emirates Cup Day One: 5 Things we've learned

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
01 Aug	4:15 PM	EC	Atletico Madrid (H)	2	1	Win

Now that I've just about managed to sweat out the beers I've been drinking this afternoon (in the rain, mostly), it's perhaps time to cast an analytical eye back on the first day's live football that most fans would have been able to witness this season. The Emirates Cup is not exactly the most competitive fixture of the season, but it's a step up from the likes of Barnet, SC Columbia and Szombathelyi H, and usually sees the manager begin to cut out the experiments, and bed down players, tactics and formations that he's got in mind for the coming season. No sign of Senderos in midfield today, and not a Silvestre in sight, but instead we saw 17 players who will almost all feature largely in the first team squad in the upcoming campaign. So, without further ado, 5 thoughts from my first day of live football of 2009/10:

1

Completely un-Arsenal related, but my God, was Paris St. Germain v Rangers a dull game or what!?! Two years ago, when I first saw Paris St. Germain in the Emirates Cup, they were a big, strong, technical and fast side, with physicality and flair to burn. The outfit I saw today were flat, un-inventive, and had absolutely no pace about their game whatsoever. A couple of moments from Jerome Rothen aside, they seemed very short of quality, and only perhaps Loris Arnaud looking like he had any real class going forward. Being dominated by a team with Pedro Mendes in the engine room must surely be about as damning as it gets. Rangers too weren't much better - Kris Boyd looks like he belongs in the 80's, though Steven Naismith had some touches to suggest that a trial at Arsenal a few years ago was not entirely undeserved.

Perhaps it is a sign that the Emirates Cup is not quite as attractive a pre-season proposition as it once was, but Arsenal need to draw some better quality next year, or lower the ticket prices back to 2008 levels.

2

Some things have not really moved on at all from last season. Eboue still has the ability to take a few nice touches, and then have his brain turn into a mouldy sponge the second he gets into the final third. Denilson is still a very pedestrian passer of the ball, and somewhat devoid of vision. Coaching defensive corners is obviously still something beneath the intricate sciences of Arsène Wenger. Arsenal are still capable of giving away a lead right in the last few minutes.

Yup, it certainly was a game that reminded me of just what we've been able to expect from Arsenal over the last couple of seasons.

3

A three-pronged attack looks like it might be an effective way of getting around a lack of reliable goal-scorers next season. Names like Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Drogba, Lampard, Van Nistelrooy, Píres - successful teams almost always seem to have one or two players who seem to be able to score consistently for them, week-in, week-out, fuelling a title challenge over the course of a 10 month season, being someone who will put the ball in the back of the net come rain, shine, or a dirty Sam Allardyce defence.

Two years ago, our title challenge was propelled largely by Emmanuel Adebayor's knack of scoring regular goals. We didn't make it all the way through, but a valuable lesson was learned - scoring one or two goals consistently is more important than scoring three or four occasionally.

Right now, it's hard to see a consistent goalscorer in the Arsenal side. Eduardo is the only player who's been consistently prolific in the past, though that was in the Croatian league, but the group of Nicklas Bendtner, Robin van Persie, Tomas Rosicky, Walcott, Vela and even Arshavin might not include a name that is going to carry the goalscoring responsibility single handed for months on end. Having three of those players on the pitch at once, on the other hand, as we look set to this season, could be a very exciting prospect nonetheless, more than capable of sharing the fun around.

4

Jack Wilshere is the most ludicrously-gifted English footballer since Gazza. Even at 18, he is already exceptional at so many areas of the game, and, whilst he is by no means the finished article, he looks more than ready to make an impact in the coming season. He's already a multi-faceted player: his skill and close control are comfortably good enough to see him past a marker; his vision in possession and ability to pick out a man looks like it belongs to a man 5 years older; not something we saw today, but we also know he has a superb shot on him, relying not on power but spin and guile to beat a goalkeeper.

He will need to improve his work-rate, and he is alarmingly small still, however it's now almost impossible to imagine him not becoming a superstar in the next few years.

5

We're deeper than many think. In attack, we have (to my count) 9 players who can occupy the front 3 spots extremely effectively. In defence, even without new boy Thomas Vermaelen, Manuel Almunia, and a half-fit Gaël Clichy, we managed to keep one of La Liga's most exciting attacking outfits extremely quiet. Johan Djourou did a great job on Aguero today, whilst Forlan hardly had a sniff on goal.

The big issue for me remains midfield. Abou Diaby and Denilson are of highly questionable quality, and with Nasri out for a few weeks with a broken leg, how we're going to find a capable set of central midfielders to form the dynamic unit we're going to need next season remains highly up for question.

So that's it. A few things didn't quite make the cut, like my indecision as to whether or not I should have booed José Antonio Reyes along with the rest of the crowd, or my distaste for ridiculous Mexican waves (seriously, next time just go to the circus), but there's plenty more time for that tomorrow, after we've no doubt hammered Rangers and re-gained our own trophy (as if anyone will have the cheek to take it from us?!?). But a positive performance today, even in the rain, and a good result to take forward for the last couple of warm-up games.

Still some obvious work for the manager to get through, but certainly a positive day today at the Grove.

User Comments

Ken

Posted on 6 Aug, 2009 at 07:03 AM - Reply

Joe from Brooklyn, I cannot agree better with you. I don't understand why there are so many pseudo Arsenal supporters who are actually nothing more than irrational Denilson haters. Did these people really watch the game? Did they watch with their eyes open? Did they write their comments based on what they saw or did they just write out of their own imagination? Did they not see the number of times Denilson broke up play, intercepted the ball? How could they ever fail to notice the time when the opposition's advance was stopped simply because of Denilson? How could people ever be so blind?

Joseph from Brooklyn

Posted on 5 Aug, 2009 at 07:08 PM - Reply

Denilson-haters: if you looked at the numbers, you'd see that he is a reliable passer, a tremendous interceptor of the ball, and that it was after he shifted to play a little further back that Arsenal went so many games undefeated last year.

Onesmus

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 09:05 PM - Reply

I think what Arsenal needs is more mature and supportive fans. The current crop is just not good enough. They cannot lift the team and they don't deserve any trophies. They demoralize players and cause them to loose confidence. The likes of Ebuoe, Diaby, Song and Denilson were brilliant prospects. If they got half the support Bendtner, Ramsey, Eduardo and Nasri got they would be at the very top. Almunia and Adebayor started of slowly but at their best are world class. Song and Diaby are real prospects given support.
Another thing is that we need not buy experienced players, because they will destabilize the team structure and trigger an exodus. If fans want players from other clubs to represent arsenal, then it is easier to support Man City because it has all expensive and experienced players some arsenal fans have craved for so long.

Duke

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 10:40 AM - Reply

Pre-season is a bad time for fans. Its tough enough to know what the manager wants when the game counts. When they don't, its almost impossible.

From the comments, I guess Vermalean is a failure in the fans eyes already. Prior to his signing, we needed a strong CB, partly because we knew one of Kolo / Gallas would be leaving. Done deal, and you all still think we need a strong CB. If Wenger expressed such inconsistency, you guys would be all over him.

Asa, another thing that has not changed from last year is your view -- perhaps you should unlock your mind about Denilson. Reading the commentary, his reviews are from very good to shit. I doubt there is anything he could do to change your mind. Denilson is far more likely to become a star than you are to become a fan of his. And that's even more true with Eboue. If Eboue's brain turns to mush after he successfully attacks towards the goal, when does Theo's brain turn to mush? When the fast run down the right ends?

Gimme a break.

grant

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 10:13 AM - Reply

i agree with what you people are saying but to be honest all arsenal need is a good defensive midfield player to free up fabregas more and one more centre back of a good standard to cover the gap kolo has left. i know we got that new bloke Thomas Vermaelen but we need another quality centre back. i think our attack is going to be good for the simple fact rosicky is back, eduardo is cool as you like and you want a proven goal scorer carlos vela seems to always find the back of the net when hes played a full game. give vela a chance week in week out and the experience will make him better

salman

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 09:40 AM - Reply

denilson is just rubbish silvestre is a joke diaby is a joke and wenger thinks this squad is good enough? i dont want to say it but WENGER HAS LOST IT

Lee

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 08:17 AM - Reply

I would be harsh on Denilson too, the guy simply isn't good enough, has no cutting egde, and watching him yesterday was highly frustrating (except one crunching tackle) Good stats or not it doesnt matter, i dont think he's ever gonna be a 1st team solution for us, a good squad player tho.

Gooner14

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 07:44 AM - Reply

Along with Wilshere, Merida also looked very classy and ready to take on more responsibility in the first team.

Murt

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 07:08 AM - Reply

Joe i completely agree. I mean constructive criticism i can understand but when the kid plays well you cant just criticize him because he isnt tearing the place up. I mean how would you feel if he went on a maurauding run or tried a pass high up the pitch and gave it away? You would have him strung up and hung from the highest rafters of the emirates. So I would rather him throwing rosicky and those around him bullets while being in a position to cover for them instead of trying something high up the pitch -because there is always a risk- and giving it away

benny mccaul

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 06:46 AM - Reply

What? are you deluded Joe? we will give the guy a break when he puts in a performance worthy of playing in an arsenal jersey!! lack luster passing, useless in the tackle, no grit or strength. Totally the opposite of what we need in there!!

Adam

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 06:44 AM - Reply

jack wilshere is 17 not 18 mate.. which is even more impressive when put into perspective. The other issue will be sorted with the imminent (i hope) arrival of Patrick, bit past it but he could do a job and give valuable advice to diaby denilson and song.

Alban

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 06:25 AM - Reply

I would still say poor defence. Lescott or Hangeland

Jaspal

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 06:17 AM - Reply

Denilson was horrible that game. He won the ball perhaps twice but lost it so many other times. He doesn't even show flashes of brilliance like other young players (i.e. Walcott and Vela).

There is a number 6 missing in that blog - how Arshavin is god and will win the premiership by himself in the coming season.

arsenalpassion

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 06:10 AM - Reply

After yesterday's game I still feel that we need that Classy DM to replace Denilson in the first team. Wilshire was Brilliant, and Rosicsky is back and will be in form in 2/3 weeks time so that's massive.

Dere

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 05:57 AM - Reply

Denilson is the material of arsenal as long as we have cesc is there what we need is a flamini like DM.

James

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 05:56 AM - Reply

The goal conceded by Arsenal reminded of the games last seson when so often the defence went to sleep.
Until the gunners can manage to hold on to a lead for a longer period of time,I'm afraid the defence will continue to be generous.
If the gunners want to win games and trophies they had better make sure the off side trap is played to perfection otherwise don'y play it.

gaya

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 05:37 AM - Reply

i presume you took a note pad with you to the game. its support for the team that is needed this season to give them the believe and knowledge that the fans are right behind them and that might give them that extra thing to push on

savage1983

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 05:31 AM - Reply

hey asa, nice article.

one thing that stood out yesterday from the telly was the volume of the crowd.

they sounded really loud compared to the usual more contemplative amperage coming out the stadium

GunnerPete

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 05:29 AM - Reply

A good fair article but in my view lacking a few important points ie;-

Gallas..still goes away with the fairies to lose Madrids only player in a dangerous position.Despits AW's love of the man I would prefer Vermaelen + Djourou to start.

The need for Big Pat to be there to break up attacks and then release the ball to ' Arsharvin, Rosicky, Fabs, Wilshire, Vela, Walcott, VP & Bentner was so obvious it was painful. Sad to say that Denilson will not make it in the creative or defensive position. Diaby, well we know he has imense talent but only in the Fabs position. Anywhere else he is ordinary...should be kept as cover for Fabs when he leaves next year.

Manone...well I have seen him now about 12/15 times for the kids and reserves and Im not impressed at all. He is a shot stopper with built in fumble. He and Denilson should be sold asap to allow better players to progress. I think that Sczezny ? is a big talent and should replace even Fabiansky this year.

The game over all was the usual practice match for fitness until AW decided he wanted to win it and brought on the subs second half......then we saw the great potential for the season light up the stadium.

Good start.

GunnerPete

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 05:28 AM - Reply

A good fair article but in my view lacking a few important points ie;-

Gallas..still goes away with the fairies to lose Madrids only player in a dangerous position.Despits AW's love of the man I would prefer Vermaelen + Djourou to start.

The need for Big Pat to be there to break up attacks and then release the ball to ' Arsharvin, Rosicky, Fabs, Wilshire, Vela, Walcott, VP & Bentner was so obvious it was painful. Sad to say that Denilson will not make it in the creative or defensive position. Diaby, well we know he has imense talent but only in the Fabs position. Anywhere else he is ordinary...should be kept as cover for Fabs when he leaves next year.

Manone...well I have seen him now about 12/15 times for the kids and reserves and Im not impressed at all. He is a shot stopper with built in fumble. He and Denilson should be sold asap to allow better players to progress. I think that Sczezny ? is a big talent and should replace even Fabiansky this year.

The game over all was the usual practice match for fitness until AW decided he wanted to win it and brought on the subs second half......then we saw the great potential for the season light up the stadium.

Good start.

Joe

Posted on 2 Aug, 2009 at 05:14 AM - Reply

You are so harsh to Denilson all the time. Need to give the guy a break. He is a great player who does his job with little fuss.

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea