Nasri’s injury will hurt him more than us
Add comment July 22nd, 2009
Yesterday Arsenal romped to a 7-1 victory over a side that fielded a player in his mid-forties. A host of players made their return to the squad and there were braces for Aaron Ramsey, Nicklas Bendtner, and Robin van Persie, as well as a headed goal from William Gallas. You can catch the highlights at the ever reliable 101greatgoals.
In both halves, the formation was similar: a 4-4-1-1, with Andrey Arshavin positioned deep and to the left of first Nicklas Bendtner then Robin van Persie. I wonder if we might be seeing a lot of that next season. Other than that, Aaron Ramsey looked impressive and central midfield and the defensive partnership of Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou seemed very balanced.
I’m writing this up in between bits of work and it seems to be dragging on forever. I think I started this blog post about three hours ago, so I’d probably better put it out of my misery.
One man absent yesterday was Samir Nasri, who broke his right fibula in a training ground accident. It’s a painful one for Nasri and frustrating for him that he’ll miss the next two or three months, but this isn’t the hammer blow to our chances some would have you believe. Nasri is undoubtedly a good player, but when it comes to attacking, creative players, our cup runneth over. Andrey Arshavin, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, and even the man who reportedly caused Nasri’s injury, Abou Diaby, are all able to step into the breach and replace him.
The other Nasri might have been deployed in is defensive midfield – and if this injury sparks Arsene into bringing another holding player in, then so much the better, frankly.
Marouane Chamakh has threatened to go to Sunderland unless Arsenal’s interest becomes concrete. It’s not a threat that has me hugely worried, to be honest.
Right, I’d better be off. Have a good day all.
