Stokes shows them how it’s done
719 comments November 5th, 2006
In the past, Arsenal have sent the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Jeremie Aliadiere, David Bentley, and Justin Hoyte out on loan with minimal effect. However, this season is different. Kerrea Gilbert’s Cardiff are topping the Championship, Arturo Lupoli and Niklas Bendtner are banging in the goals, and a young Irishman called Anthony Stokes has just bagged a second hatrick in consecutive games.
The second treble means he has scored a remarkable nine goals in four games for Falkirk, leaving him clear at the top of the SPL Goalscorers chart. Like Bendtner, Stokes’ loan expires in January, though Falkirk are understandably keen to keep him.
After surveying some Scottish football message boards, I found the following quotes on Stokes’ recent form:
“He’s doing magnificently. He’s scored 8 goals in his last 3 games, including hat-tricks in consecutive weeks. That makes him the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick in the SPL, and the first to score consecutive hat tricks since Duncan Shearer did so for Aberdeen in 1988.”
“I’ve been impressed with him since his arrival but Saturday’s performance was outstanding. His 1st goal defo had a Thierry Henry look about it.”
“He’s an 18 year old who’s been outstanding in the top league in Scotland, scoring a hat-trick and winning man of the match awards and plaudits. Most observers say he looks a class above.”
“Wonder what the chances of keeping him for the season are. Not sure anyone in the Premiership would be interested in him yet and, although the standard in the Championship would be higher, it would be a risk for him going there if he’s getting on fine up here.”
“Jim Duffy said today that two of his “contacts” down south have told him that two championship clubs are keeping tabs on him in the hope they can get him on loan when his current loan deal expires!”
Not bad. Given our own finishing worries, I hope the lads still in London are paying attention, and stick a few past West Ham today. Consecutive hatricks for Tomas Rosicky would probably make him feel a hell of a lot better.
