Archive for July 31st, 2004

Arsenal 0 – 0 River Plate

66 comments July 31st, 2004

This was not a good game.

Last year, I sat down and watched this entire torunament, and it was hugely entertaining. However, my deepest sympathies lie with any neutral who so foolishly decided to try and watch this snore-fest.

However, for the sake of goodness knows what, I’ll attempt some sort of a review:

Manuel Almunia was impressive in everything he did. Came for crosses, commanded the back-line, and distributed extremely well. Never really tested, but promising.
7/10

Manu Eboue is someone who particularly impressed me at Barnet, and who did so again last night. His driving runs with pace, power, and flair are not entirely dissimiliar to those of our supposed transfer target, Hatem Trabelsi. However, it makes little difference, as Eboue is far from eligible for a work permit. Still, I’d expect him back on another trial here next year.
7

Philippe Senderos is a player who I’ve always supported, because I genuinely feel he has all the credentials to become a top-drawer defender. On a couple of occasions last night he looked a little shaky, but he was paired with Cygan, and he still didn’t look out of his depth. Will push Cygan all the way to start alongside Kolo at Everton.
6

Pascal Cygan was our captain. vomits>
6

Gael Clichy was one of our best players. Got forward to support Reyes well, and helped out Cygan at the back plenty. We’re very lucky to have both he and Cole.
8

Jermaine Pennant worked his arse off. He ran all the way up and down the line like a greyhound, and was one of our better players defensively. Didn’t get the chance to show off many of his skills, but his drive and determination brought him through.
7

Marco Ne is the other Ivorian triallist, who also impressed me at Barnet. He didn’t do quite as well in this game, but still showed flashes of his ability. He can pick a pass, and covers the ground well. Not as likely to make it as Eboue, but worth another look.
6

Cesc Fabregas is so good that he sometimes makes me hope V!£ra leaves just so we see more of the young Spaniard. He just doesn’t make mistakes. He’s physically grown in stature since he joined us, and now sports an intimidating mullet. He’s just a class above. I’ve never been so sure that a young kid will make it. If you want me to compare him to someone, I’d suggest a combination of Edu and Deco. The game effectively finished when he was withdrawn.
8

Jose Reyes played out on the left, and Arsene suggested that wouldn’t be the last time he did that this season. The thing is, he’s very good out there, but he just doesn’t get enough supply to be as effective as he can be. The kid is very much a rough diamond. Sometimes he looks like Maradona, other times a very poor Michael Hughes impressionist. I think he really does just need games. Was rightly given the man of the match award for his efforts… plus he played the full 90. Was probably our most effective offensive player.
8

Francis Jeffers is just not in tune with the other Arsenal players. He doesn’t click. They move one way, he turns another. They pass one way, and he’s standing by the opposite corner flag. He’s fighting a losing battle. Get out whilst you can, Fran.
5

Robin van Persie probably had his worst game of our pre-season last night. Things just weren’t happening for him. There were a couple of long-range shots that looked alright, but beyond that, his touch was heavy and he was a little clumsy. Still, he is real class though, I promise.
6

————

The subs did fuck all.

I’d link you to other Arsenal news at Newsnow, but as you will notice, Arsenal-Mania has gone insane.

Lovely.

Adieu.


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