Gunnerblog

Barnet 4 - 1 Arsenal, Cole set to stay, Captain Henry, and French International to sign…?

0 guns July 17th, 2005

Arsenal’s first friendly of our pre-season schedule was our annual trouncing of lowly Barnet. 4-1 this time, with Hleb, Henry (pen), Bergkamp and Hoyte getting the goals.

Hleb, playing from the right-hand side of midfield, scored his in the first minute, cutting infield to fire a left-footed shot inside the near post. By all accounts, the fleet-footed midfielder put in an impressive and skillful performance.

Thierry Henry´s goal came from the spot on the day he was officially confirmed as the club’s new captain. An excellent choice - a wonderful ambassador, and an even better player. Hopefully it’ll help persuade him to renew his contract, too.

Also of note was Dennis Bergkamp’s wonder goal. A bending, dipping effort from all of 25 yards. The man may be a tad slower, but his technique remains second to none.

The game was also notable for the debut of 17 year old former Atalanta goalkeeper, Vito Mannone. With only an injured Almunia and a suspension-hindered Jens Lehmann for experienced goalkeepers, I’d still expect us to add another top quality stopper.

A real surprise yesterday was the trial of former Monaco and Barcelona defender, Philippe Christanval.

Having been released from Marseille, he’s searching for a new club, and it seems Arsene may be willing to take a gamble on him as defensive cover.

He may have had a torrid few years with injury and poor form, but he was once regarded as the future of France’s defence, earning 6 full caps in the process. Often derided now, he was once held in the same esteem as, say, a prospect such as Philippe Mexes. Definitely worth a look.

Meanwhile, various press sources are claiming that Ashley Cole will soon sign a new one-year extension to his Arsenal contract. His incentive for swallowing his pride? A possible 70 grand a week. He’s a very very very lucky boy if so.

Still, we’ll probably sell him in a year.

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