Written by Mean Lean on Wednesday, 13 July 2011 20:52

It was great to see the Gooners back on the pitch today. It is very early in the pre season so it is difficult to make any proper judgements on the players on show today but there was still some interesting talking points.

Firstly the new boys showed plenty of promise as they try and adjust to playing alongside better players than in their previous clubs. Jenkinson looked composed and pushed forward whenever possible, he was caught out with space behind him at times but it is still very early in pre season. My mind is pretty rigid so the idea of a tall full back doesn't quite sit well with me, it is difficult to justify that but in my head, full backs are closer to the ground with a good engine. Perhaps his extra height will benefit the team in the longer term.

Ryo Miyaichi started out on the left and didn't really surprise. He looked as if he was playing for Feyenoord. Very comfortable, full of ability and worked very hard when not in possession which is just my type of player.

I imagine that we will see Ryo dribble around his full back and drive into the box from wide areas, something we haven't had for quite a while now. His end product is not yet there but that is expected. He is only 18 years old and that is amazing. Ryo has plenty of gears to go up in both his physical and technical development.

Remember the skinny step over kid who turned up at Manchester United. He developed into a powerful beast who dominated the Premier League. Even if Ryo develops half as much as Ronaldo did then we will have a superstar on our hands in the future.

I love the idea of Vermaelen and Koscielny for the most part. They compliment each other superbly in open play. Both very determined, both very comfortable on the ball, both tigerish in the tackle. The obvious issue comes when they face a team very strong in the air but having said that, set pieces is not just about two central defenders, it is about the whole team. Will organisation and extra determination to win headers cancel out the lack of a 6ft+ defender? I don't know the answer to that because I am yet to see Vermaelen play a full season alongside the ever improving Koscielny but I certainly wouldn't rule out that being Wenger's first choice partnership and I certainly wouldn't rule them out as becoming a top duo.

With Clichy gone, plenty of eyes were on Kieran Gibbs and the Englishman was steady if not spectacular but his second half replacement Armand Traore looked physically very impressive. Even as a 16 year old in Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial he looked very strong but today he looks very powerful and dangerous going forward. It is one thing flying past players on a lower level than Arsenal but another thing altogether against a strong attacking team. I certainly wouldn't be upset to see Traore start at left back at home to Blackburn Rovers though. A card that I hope Wenger pulls out from time to time in games where we need to score first to open out the match.

Aaron Ramsey's pass was very reminiscent of a number 4 we already have at Arsenal. He seems to like the pass to Theo Walcott. I remember a remarkable outside of the foot pass to Walcott in the Champions League a few years ago. Ramsey has the ability to play the cutting pass but is yet to do it consistently. He certainly reminded everyone that he was very capable of making that pass. Theo Walcott finished as Theo Walcott does. One of the best finishers at the club.

Emmanuel Frimpong came on in the second half and picked up from where he left off last pre season. He looks physically immense and has a great on pitch attitude. I cannot help but be excited about that, yet a little weary of his ball possession. Frimpong is the type of player you want in a battle away at Stoke but perhaps isn't the player you turn to when playing against a team that allows you plenty of possession and presses you intensely like Everton. His plus points totally outweigh the negatives though so far in my eyes.

I find it very difficult to join the Carlos Vela is useless bandwagon that has been increasing in the last year. He certainly hasn't lived up to his potential thus far and it is even more damning when you do not break through at a club like West Brom, but there is so much more to come from Vela. His finish was typical Vela and I am sure most Gooners knew exactly what was coming when he wriggled through on goal from Rosicky's pass, a cool dink over the keeper and safely into the back of the net. He played a cushioned lay off to Ramsey who fired over the bar that only the best players at Arsenal would have been able to play.

He was the second fastest player at Arsenal last season and is a fantastic finisher. Whether he has the mentality and desire to become an Arsenal regular is another story but he has everything else in his locker to not only be a good player but a very good player. Natural physical growth along with a run of games and he would be slotting away chances left, right and center.

This is not to say that he should be thrown into the Arsenal team, obviously there are currently better players ahead of him but if got the chance then he could actually be quite a surprise. I will stand by that opinion and see what happens to the grinny Mexican.

Samir Nasri came on late with Robin Van Persie and Andrey Arshavin and he made me think back to the game against Fulham at the Emirates. During that game I felt the same way I did about Thierry Henry as he was transforming from a prospect into a world class player. With Henry I could see the change happening in front of my eyes, every season he was visually taking a step up, his aura and presence just seemed to grow in front of us. During last season's pre season and the first half of the season I felt that about Samir Nasri.

When he came off the bench today, I felt the same as I did against Fulham. He looks hungry and determined and I really believe we will see another climb of level for Nasri. His contract situation feels a little like pouring a bucket of salt over a tasty dinner though, so I find it difficult to get excited about what Nasri could become.

When I saw the trio come on as late substitutes I thought to myself that perhaps Wenger is already preparing for the Champions League qualifier. Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie are both suspended because of the farce in Barcelona. With the players we had available it looked like something close to our strongest team with the players we had available.

Szczesny

Jenkinson (Sagna) Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs

Song Wilshere

Ramsey (Cesc)

Walcott Chamakh Miyaichi (Gervinho/Arshavin)

This is the team that started the first half and the players in brackets would come in to the side if fit, available and hopefully at the club.

That qualifier is so important that perhaps Wenger is trying to get as much preparation in as possible before the date flies around. It will be interesting to see if a similar side play together during the next pre season match. Wenger did say that he had an idea of a team that would start the season so we will see.

Anyway, I refuse to think or talk about Xavi's comments and Cesc's future. Like I have said recently, I am sick and bored of it all now. Wake me up when a decision has been made.

Back tomorrow.

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Comments (32)

• 13-Jul-2011 21:20 | | Bob
  

  i enjoy your positive view towards arsenal, it's very refreshing

• 13-Jul-2011 21:26 | | Davi  - Players
  

  Vela up front in a 4-4-2 could be devastating, and apparently was very good wide left in that formation in spain, but I think it's taking time for him to become really effective in a 4-3-3. I really think he's worth the effort because he has so much to offer. His finishing is really good, up there with the best at the club at the moment, but he also has a really world class 1st touch, and his passing ability is excellent. He's a lot like reyes, but I honestly think he has more bite to him. People deride him for his attitude, but I just don't see what is so bad about it. The only bad thing I can say about him from that perspective is that his confidence drops at times. I think that is quite a normal thing for a young player and something he will have to get over as he get's older.
  I don't think anyone is suggesting he should be starting games from the beginning of the season, but I don't necessarily think we have better players ahead of him, just more proven ones. I hope this season wenger actually shows a bit of faith in him and when we have a couple of injuries, actually puts him in the team and gives him a proper go. That didn't happen last season or particularly in the season before when wenger chose to put arshavin up front when vela was the only fit striker, and didn't even give vela a chance to take arshavin's position on the wing.
  I'm really optimistic about jenkinson as well. TV said he was the fittest player at the club in the training test, and from what little I've seen of him, he certainly looks like a great athlete. On top of that, he looks really focussed, and I expect him to improve very quickly. He's not THAT tall btw, only a little bigger than Gibbs or Traore I think, and the main aspects that make good fullbacks these days are pace, particularly over short distances, and stamina, and I think it's clear he has that.
  On Traore: everyone goes on about gibbs all the time, but really I think Traore is just as good. A couple of seasons ago, they were very close, and when given the chance traore did very well except against Everton when they were on a fantastic run of form (with donovan in the side), and chelsea, who everyone struggled with. Gibbs was a little ahead of him at the time, but last season he seemed to go a bit backwards. I just hope that both players are assessed equally and the better of the two players get's the spot.

• 13-Jul-2011 21:28 | | Davi
  

  "just more proven ones"
  by which I mean players who have been given more of a chance to prove themselves, like theo, and bendtner and last season. I don't think these two are particularly better than vela, but for whatever reason have been given more opportunities and were always ahead of carlos in the queue. From what I've seen, vela has been far more efficient with his minutes on the field than theo or bendtner, up until last season at least where theo was much improved,

• 13-Jul-2011 21:41 | | marko Lozina
  

  nasri over arshavin or gervinho

• 13-Jul-2011 21:45 | | Alex
  

  Yes, no doom and gloom for a change. I like your optimism and belief .

• 13-Jul-2011 21:48 | | MeanLean
  

  I think late night posting is the answer. Usually, within five minutes of a blog post, I find someone pissing all over my chips.

• 13-Jul-2011 21:51 | | Jenkinson
  

  Unfortunately Vela has only one foot.

• 13-Jul-2011 21:53 | | MeanLean
  

  Just because you had a decent debut, it doesn't mean you should start havin a go at your team mates!
  
  On a serious note, yes. He is very one sided. He needs to work on that.

• 13-Jul-2011 23:34 | | PTangYangKipperBang  - Velas foot
  

  Yes he is very left footed but he is very young and will attain his right foot.

• 13-Jul-2011 23:35 | | Jeff  - Arsenal
  

  All of Arsenal's major rivals are strengthening.The gunners haven't bought anyone worthy of note other than Gervinho. Bear in mind this guy will be missing in Jan and Feb, That will be at least ten games at a minimum.What happens when he is injured or comes back knackerd and loses form.
  The red faced cunt is further making his side stronger with the imminent capture of Sneljer.I know Wenger may unearth someone before kickoff but unless they are quality signings are unlikely to make a statement of intent.
  I have a feeling withfiercebattlesfor cl qualification the gunners could finally be consigned to the Europa cup.This of course depends on who Wenger brings in.Frankly I believe it is more or less as in previous seasons.He is deluded of course.

• 13-Jul-2011 23:49 | | Wolfgang  - Nasri
  

  It is unbelievable when Wenger said he would allow Nasri to leave for nothing on condition he stays for the coming season.He further states he wants the gunners to be a strong financial position.
  To be financially sound requires the team to perform well on the pitch which means winning games and trophies.Barcelon,Mu Chelsea and Mc are not bothered by the financial status and have been winning trophies.
  Indeed I will be very surprised the gunners can win the epl or cl.To win these two trophies you need to have nucleus of a side comprising wc players. Arsenal have only RVP and Fab as wc.
  I am waiting for Wenger to prove to gunner fans and myself how we are wrongto underate him. .

• 14-Jul-2011 00:17 | | Domhuaille
  

  Jeff and Wolfgang.......get a hold of yourselves and see yourselves out of the AFC door mates! Where do you get your ideas from....a cracker jack box? There is no reason to start moaning as the transfer window hasn't closed, AW has brought in new players (4 loanees and 2 new signings)and we have players back who missed at least half a season or more (RVP & Vermaelen) so take your Valium,take a deep breath and hold it until the season starts at least!

• 14-Jul-2011 00:56 | | Omglol
  

  Well it was great to see Arsenal again, i was like junky without fix before the game I wanted and i got Vermalen/KOS at the back. I think this will be best pair for us when we push the game. I donno if its me but i noticed KOS add some weight and more power that can help in air but hope he dont lose speed a lot.
  Anyway i was realy happy with Jenkinson and Ryo, both are good and have time to improve. I can add that Rosicky played realy nice, hope he get back his form and play big part this year, he is unique player aways offensive and aways aim to make that risky fast pass with great engine.
  Traore was realy good, lot of burst up front, but still donno what to think, its just one game, so hope he show more in the pre-season forcing Gibbs to work harder for the LB spot.
  Ramsey is class his passes and vision are fantastic,1-2 year more and he will be fantastic player. I aways have faith in Vela he was judge harsh from WBA loan, he got the talent its up to him to set his attitude and get a spot in Arsenal.
  As Meanlean said, when Nasri burst in you can see dif in class :S its good that Wenger risk 20 mil, it gives hope for next season that we will fight hard for the title.
  And wanted to say that temp was realy high (37C on start?) that made the game bit hard, and for some players to hard (Chamakh?)
  off to see Brazil - Ecuador ;) they cant pass grupe stage without Denilson

• 14-Jul-2011 01:42 | | mids
  

  nasri situation could be resolved simply by offring him 120k a week 5 years contract with 15 per cent in his pocket if he still want to leave and every one will b winner unstead of losing him 4 free next summer,cos with 5 year contract his price will double anyway so really it is a win win situation

• 14-Jul-2011 02:02 | | KC
  

  it was kinda unsurprisingly to see the trademark chip goal by vela last nite.

• 14-Jul-2011 02:13 | | kc  - EMIRATES
  

  Its a little shocking to note the minute amount of promotion our main sponsor had done for this tour. Imagine, our team flying out on a rival airline!!! Then, over here in malaysia, not a squeak from them by way of promotion, advertisement, events etc etc. the main sponsors of Chelsea and Liverpool are out in force promoting their respective match. Wonder why??
  Nevertheless, hugh crowd, 60,000+.

• 14-Jul-2011 02:35 | | Omglol
  

  Dont think is that easy. We dont realy know what is the problem, If Nasri want more money, if someone offer him more then "120k" or he realy want to leave the club or he want to see what the Boss will do with the transfers. You cant form your opinion and offer solution from speculations from today news, half is bullcrap and the rest is horsecrap. Arsenal.com is the only valid in this period.
  But ye we can speculate, Graham Hunter said Fabregas want out because we cant cure his hamstring, he will join Guangdong after he saw they can cope with Lpool and he is the edge they need to be world class, and ye will get cut on his wage for around 100k less only to get out of Arsenal.

• 14-Jul-2011 03:15 | | Wolfgang
  

  I stand by what I said.This team will flatter to deceive. If the gunners get knocked out in the cl qualifier,asuming they meet a big German/Italian /Spanish team,Wenger will have to buy top quality and experienced players.
  If he still places his trust in the kid gunners,gooner fans better get ready for a repeat of previous seasons.

• 14-Jul-2011 06:59 | | Roberto  - Great review
  

  Vela is 23... but has 7 years of first class experience... Chamakh has had more chances at arsenal than him... and we know Vela can outfit Marouanne... It´s time for Arsenal to become a team and stop relying on Nasri, Cesc or RVP great nights... they are not constant and we need to build a machine...

• 14-Jul-2011 09:02 | | Tristan
  

  let's wait and see. it's just an openning match and the opponent is too weak.

• 14-Jul-2011 10:09 | | adam  - rvp
  

  i like boobies

• 14-Jul-2011 11:04 | | Waterboy
  

  Great comments Omglol. Arsenal.com is the only valid site for actual Arsenal news, the rest is just speculation and sensationalised journalism. Whilst I enjoy the Arsenal Vision site because ML seems like a genuine Arsenal fans, who supports the club and the players we have and has always tries to post supportive and interesting articles, for actual Arsenal news the official site is the best place to go.

• 14-Jul-2011 11:26 | | nii
  

  cant agree less

• 14-Jul-2011 11:27 | | Smolboi  - Lets wait and see, its still too early to judge th
  

  am wishing arsenal all the best and success ths coming season, lets hope we will walkaway with the EPL ths season becouse there's no team better than us in England.

• 14-Jul-2011 12:48 | | DJ Dragonfly
  

  @ ML,
  
  Hi mate!
  
  I haven't watched the highlights on Arsenal Player as of yet, but I have to say I was impressed with Vela's trademark finish (he does love a dink over the keeper)
  
  Vela definitely needs to go up another level this forthcoming season. He would benefit immensely from an extended run in the first team, howver there is a lot of quality competition up front.
  
  Still waiting to see whether Wenger will bring in a central defender. Koscielny and Squillaci haven't won me over so far in their Arsenal careers.

• 14-Jul-2011 13:14 | | george newman  - arsenalfan113
  

  i know every1 want's 2 be enthiusiastic so here's good news: our 1st team r murders abosultue champions bad news:2nd team is sooooooooooooo poor they'll let us down sgsin! we should seriously have a deeper defence our first cb pairing should be mertesacker n vermaelen (PLZ don't play verma as left back it's a very stupid idea his 1 of the best cb's in EPL n hasn't played lb in ages) buy a quality left back all the defensive back up's r great otherwise n give vela da same chances bendter got last season n whens gervinho playin?

• 14-Jul-2011 13:16 | | marvin  - glad man
  

  it sounds hopeful going into the new season for all gooners. wish y'all the best.

• 14-Jul-2011 13:59 | | Dxtagger  - One thing with Vela
  

  After seeing Vela yesterday, I was quite glad. He really showed potential. However, he had one major fault in that game, that I hope doesnt show up in actual games. He was quite flashy and careless in the box. One on One with the gk and he easily executed the chip. But right after, he spurned 2 chances with one on one and a relatively empty net, simply because he wanted to embarrass the Gk, giving his defense time to line up on the goal line and block the eventual shot. Definitely a red X on his score sheet, but I hope this was just because it was pre season, and not a serious game. But then again, a serious team would have a much stronger defense than the malaysia XI

• 14-Jul-2011 15:48 | | Pazak  - Only One Mention of Chamakh
  

  Interesting that the only place you mention Chamakh is in the possible line up for the Champions League Qualifier, I don't really see what he contributes to the team except as another body on the pitch that the opposition has to mark.

• 14-Jul-2011 20:43 | | JOHN  - HI
  

  MA REALLY i wish arsenal to win the title ? ya man arsenal arsenal arsenal i love u from ma heart,

• 15-Jul-2011 05:10 | | CHIKWEZEWERE  - I LIKE IT
  

  The analylist facts. Are likeable , lets take this performance to EPL. tHE YOUNG boys should fioght and maintain the level or even improve much much more.

• 15-Jul-2011 07:16 | | Justice  - We still Need Qualities
  

  We still need qualities players because you can't access the players by playing with Malaysia IX because they are not football powerhouse in Asia. Please we need serious and committed players.

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