Malaysia XI 0 – 4 Arsenal: Jenkinson impresses on debut
558 comments July 14th, 2011
Malaysia XI 0 – 4 Arsenal (Ramsey 5 (pen), Walcott 37, Vela 58, Rosicky 90)
Highlights | Arsene’s reaction
Arsenal returned to action yesterday with an entertaining 4-0 win over a Malaysian XI. Although played on the other side of the world, it felt like a home game for the Gunners, who have all admitted to being blown away by the fanaticism displayed by the Malaysian support. A quick look at the stats on the blog shows that only the UK, US, Australia and Singapore contribute more readers to this site, so the numbers shouldn’t surprise anyone. What is impressive is the genuine dedication and passion for the team.
I have to say that so far this tour has been a great success. Not only has it allowed the team time together to bond, it’s also demonstrated just how big a club Arsenal is. Hopefully the commercial success the club craves will follow.
The game itself was very lively, with a higher tempo than you would expect for a first friendly of a new campaign. The starting XI was as follows:
Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen (c), Gibbs, Song, Wilshere, Ramsey, Walcott, Miyaichi, Chamakh
Worth noting that Vermaelen was partnered with Koscielny rather than Djourou, which could be an indication as to the pecking order going in to next season. Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, played as the most advanced of the midfield trio in the ‘Cesc’ role.
Jenkinson and Miyaichi made their debuts, and I was particularly impressed with the former Charlton defender. He’s unusually tall for a full-back and two-footed, and showed good composure and awareness. His versatility could make him a useful squad player over the coming years – United have always had these sorts of homegrown talents (Wes Brown, John O’Shea etc). You don’t have to be blessed with world-beating technique to make a valid contribution to a trophy-winning squad.
Miyaichi looked lively and very quick, but understandably nervous. I’m still doubtful about our ability to get him a work permit for this season, so don’t be surprised if he ends up heading out on loan again.
The first goal was a penalty tucked away by Aaron Ramsey after Jack Wilshere was tripped in the box. After that bright start, in which Walcott could have added a second, the game faded in to something of a lull, until a beautifully curled forty-yard pass found Theo in behind the Malaysian defence. He took the ball on the bounce and lobbed it over the advancing keeper.
The second half saw a raft of changes, with only Jenkinson, Ramsey and Miyaichi remaining on the field. Emmanuel Frimpong came on and made a good impression in central midfield. Another half-time substitute, Denilson, was withdrawn after just twenty minutes, sparking speculation that he is not part of Arsene’s plans for next season. If that is indeed the case, and Denilson departs, his place in the squad will be inherited by Frimpong. The muscle-bound midfielder has as much power as potential, and could provide some much needed back-up for Alex Song. The only shame is that he has chosen to represent Ghana rather than England, meaning that the African Nations could leave us bereft of both players.
Carlos Vela had a lively second half, and scored a trademark chip to make it three nil. As things stand, with Nicklas Bendtner on the brink of leaving, Vela is in line to be our third-choice centre-forward. If that’s going to be the case, he needs to show he can finish like that in circumstances other than friendlies and the Carling Cup.
With twenty minutes to go, the quartet of Arshavin, Van Persie, Sagna and Nasri were introduced. The latter buzzed around with plenty of energy. It looked to me like he was trying to make a point: even if he is going to leave in twelve months time, he seems very much up for the coming season. Either that or he was trying to show City he’s worth his prospective £185,000 a week contract…
In stoppage time Arsenal added a fourth – Arshavin drove to the byline and his cross deflected in to the pass of Tomas Rosicky, who nodded in his goal for the season.
Arsenal have now moved on to China, where Arsene will hold a press conference later this afternoon. The same questions about Cesc and Nasri will be asked, and I think we can expect the same answers. The comments of people like Xavi are, frankly, to be expected. I think it’s important we draw a line under the Cesc thing soon enough so we can proceed with the rest of our plans.
Finally, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has retired from football. Thankyou for some extraordinary memories, Paddy. In fact, here are a few of those moments:
