Gunnerblog

Patrick Vieira gaily watches his companions face Ajax…

6 comments August 2nd, 2004

Look at Paddy here with little Cesc, smiling for the cameras. He’s so happy just to be at the club. Ish.

Ajax 0 – 0 Arsenal

3 comments August 2nd, 2004

Another nil-nil, but a much better game. It was in fact a very good Arsenal performance. For those who didn’t see it, I’ll just rattle through the players and let you know how they did.

Jens Lehmann
Made a great save as early as the 6th minute when he flung himself across the goal to divert Ibrahimovic’s effort. Looked particularly strong and confident. Perhaps the added pressure of Almunia has caused him to up his game – last season he had only an inexperienced Graham Stack and a crippled Stuart Taylor breathing down his neck – the Spaniard’s arrival could spark a surge in form from Mad Jens.
8/10

Justin Hoyte
Lauren is still off in Spain “having a baby”. It is feared any damage sustained here could keep him out for the start of the season. Let’s hope we’re merely over-reacting.
However, Hoyte was Just-in time (I’ll get me coat…) to fill in for Ralph. Unfortunately, he was a bit shit. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone.
To be fair, he was alright, he was just a little bit lacking defensively. And offensively. Maybe a bit over-awed by the occasion. I still prefer Eboué, who came on and impressed again.
5

Kolo Toure
Fairly immaculate. If such a thing is possible, he seems even stronger and faster than last season. I hope he will one day be recognised as one of the best centre-backs in the world, because he’s certainly heading that way. Better than Gallas.
8

Pascal Cygan
Fairly solid. His start last night, coupled with Lille’s refusal to pay up for him, makes it likely he’ll face Everton on the opening day.
7

Ashley Cole
The best left-back in the world? Made two trade-mark off-the-line clearances, and is, in my opinion, the best left-sided English player since John Barnes by some distance. Just excellent.
9

Freddie Ljungberg
Looked very bright for the first half an hour, then tired. The battle between he and Pennant will be fascinating.
8

Matthieu Flamini
I was very impressed with our new boy. His passing was extremely tidy, and he looked easily the best tackler in our midfield. Shades of Parlour/Butt in him. Could be an important player for years and years. Doesn’t seem nearly as young as he is.
8

Gilberto
Average. Nothing good, nothing bad. Did his usual screening role fairly effectively.
6

Robert Pires
Looks back to his best. Linked with Cole superbly, and seems super-fit. Was replaced by Robin van Persie, who was booed heavily by the crowd, but reacted well to show some good touches.
8

Dennis Bergkamp
Wasn’t at his mercurial best, but one jinking run in the 56th minute was worth the admission fee alone, and nearly resulted in a blinding goal. Was skipper at his old stomping ground. Deserves a great send-off this season.
7

Jose Reyes
Won the award for Player of the Tournament after two excellent performances. In the 15th minute, he struck the bar from with a left-footed volley. In the 16th, his placed shot bent just round the post; and in the 17th, Gascoigne-like, he just failed to connect with Ljungberg’s cross. Once the goals start going in, they won’t stop. His movement is superb.
8

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In other news, this AS article reports, as does the Daily Mail, that Dein and Vieira met yesterday, and the Frenchman confirmed his desire to leave. Manuel Almunia is also quoted as saying that Vieira won’t talk about the speculation at the camp, and Dennis Bergkamp has hinted that he knows Paddy’s intent is to depart.

I’m bored of it, and so are you.

So we’ll just wait ’till tomorrow for yet more Vieira-based mess.

Hurrah.