Can William Gallas be called a ‘Gooner’ yet?
249 comments January 16th, 2007
Nabbing William Gallas from Chelsea was arguably the coup of the summer. One need only witness some of their hapless defensive displays in his absence to see just how much influence he had in their Championship winning sides.
A goal in his second game at the Emirates, as well as his long-term friendship with Thierry Henry, meant that he slipped straight into the squad with little fuss. When he nodded home the third goal against Liverpool in November, he seemed to cement his arrival. His partnership with Kolo Toure was blossoming, and he was a major star in a vibrant new Arsenal side.
And then he disappeared. Gallas hasn’t played for around two months now. In his absence, Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos have excelled, and Gallas has become the forgotten man of this squad. There has even been talk he’s been on holiday in Guadelope. Maybe I’m alone in this, but I find it hard to remember him playing in the red and white shirt.
But this is William Gallas we are talking about: one of the best defenders in the world (the best, according to Thierry Henry). And the good news is, he’s almost back. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where he’ll come into the side, but there’s no chance he’ll return simply to sit on the bench. There’s been much talk about the return of the likes of Lauren and Diaby, but Gallas’ absence has not provoked much reaction. Well, I’m sure as soon as he’s out on the pitch, it’ll be like he was never away.
Apparently, Lauren has turned down West Ham. Good on him, if so: he deserves a return to sunny Spain, at least. Perhaps he’ll even decide to stay and see out his contract with us. We can only hope.
And finally, well done to Alex Hleb, who knows how to kick a man when he’s down.
