You can stop covering your eyes – I think we survived…
1 comment August 12th, 2010
Come out from behind the sofa. Take your hands away from your ears. Take the telly off mute, and turn your mobile phone back on. International week is over. And I think we survived.
Arsenal.com are worryingly quiet this morning, as if they half-expect to receive news that Marouane Chamakh was accidentally sawn in half during Morocco’s friendly with Equatorial Guinea. But, for now at least, it does appear as if the 12 players we had away on International duty have come through unscathed. Somebody call the Pope: this definitely qualifies as a miracle.
I was at Wembley last night, where I saw three Arsenal players in action for England. Theo Walcott started on the right of a 4-3-3 and was very impressive. I find Theo a frustrating player to watch, but last night he was direct, efficient, and effective. He looked like a player with a point to make. Let’s hope he keeps it up.
Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere both made their debuts, and looked composed. It’s a big season for both players, who’ll be looking to make the breakthrough both at club and international level. Gibbs played the entire second half as a replacement for Ashley Cole, while Wilshere was only afforded a ten minute cameo at the end of the game due to illness. Fabio Capello said:
“Jack Wilshere didn’t play much because last night he was at the hospital. He had some problems, some big pain. He returned from the hospital at 5am. That is the only reason he played 10 minutes. The doctors said that he could play not a lot in the game.”
Apparently Wilshere was rushed in to hospital with suspected appendicitis. Those fears swiftly subsided, however, when Wilshere remembered he’d already had it out.
Worryingly, Arsene mentioned Jack complaining of stomach pain when we travelled to play Warsaw. Here’s hoping he recovers in time for Sunday’s game at Anfield, where he’s due to start.
Skipper Cesc Fabregas played 45 minutes for Spain in Mexico. Assuming he gets back to England in good time, I’d have to imagine he’s in contention for a starting spot at Anfield. Going with Wilshere and Frimpong, two 18-year olds who have never started a league game for us, would be one hell of a gamble.
Transfer News
Dutch attacker Nacer Barazite played 77 minutes last night against Glentoran in a trial with Glasgow Rangers. Barazite has always looked to have every ingredient a top player requires: skill, strength, size and awareness. He’s flattered to deceive in a few pre-season games, but never made an impact at first-team level. I imagine a loan move away would be the beginning of the end of his Arsenal career.
A few rumours today suggest Mark Schwarzer is due to hand in a transfer request at Fulham in person, after his emailed demand for a move ended up in Mark Hughes’ spam folder. If Arsenal are to make any signings between now and the end of the window, I expect them to arrive right at the last minute. It’s going to be tense.
