Morning all.
Jack Wilshere announced his retirement from football yesterday and with it, he made a heartfelt statement to the people who have been part of his journey. From Arsene Wenger, his family, right through to us, the fans and the message he sent out – was thank you. I’ve read many a comment over the last 10 years which suggested Jack Wilshere was a closet West Ham fan, well, I think he made it clear yesterday that there’s only ever really been one club in his heart and that’s the one he joined at a very young age. A wonderfully gifted and talented player whose career was plagued by injury.
To the best supporters on the planet, all of you Arsenal fans, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. To play for you all has been a privilege. You’ve always made me feel supported and I hope I did you proud representing your club. I’ll never forget how you always backed me and I’ll forever be a Gooner. Arsenal.com
I think it’s fair to say that to date, Jack Wilshere is the best player to have come through the Arsenal academy in the last twenty years, although Bukayo Saka is pushing him close right now, as is ESR in my opinion. I don’t think they’ll be alone soon though as we really do have some talented and exciting young players coming through. Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Omari Hutchinson and Charlie Patino to name just three. I know the jury remains out on Eddie Nketiah and Flo Balogun for a number of Arsenal fans but I’m hoping that this is the season those doubts are finally erased.
Jack Wilshere is staying with Arsenal for the foreseeable though as he’s joining the academy coaching staff.
Arsenal played their second pre-season fixture yesterday in Germany against FC Nurnberg. By half-time we were 2-0 down but the second half brought five Arsenal goals, two from Gabriel Jesus, a thunderbolt from Mo Elneny and two own goals. Given as own goals but created by the way we played if that makes sense. Jesus needed just 90 seconds of football to score his first goal which means nothing in pre-season I know but it won’t have done him any harm at all to get on the scoresheet for his new club so quickly.
Kieran Tierney is fine by the way as it was always the intention to ease him back into the game slowly.
He’s really good. He’s been training really good. Obviously he’s been out for over three months now so we wanted to give him a proper warm-up, play the first half an hour and then get him out. So he was in good condition and there’s no issues there. Mikel Arteta.
We’re still missing a few players because of an extended break after the international fixtures but I think they’re all due to return this week so all being well, they’ll be on the flight which leaves England for the USA on Wednesday.
Talking after the game, Mikel Arteta has been quoted by Sky Sports as saying:
There are more things that we would like to do if we can. Obviously the market will dictate what we can do. So far we are happy with what we have done. We can improve the team still in the market and we are going to try and do it, but we are not going to go into any specific names.
Also, in relation to the players who’ve returned to the club this summer following a period of time out on loan, he said:
What I said to them on the first day is that they are Arsenal players. Things change dramatically in football from one day to another and you have to be prepared for that. If any of those players want to take the opportunity, the door is open and they will have to earn it. It’s no different to any other player in the squad.
One of those players is Lucas Torreira whose agent Pablo Bentancur has said would rather stay and play his football in Italy but Arsenal have called him up for the tour of America. Rightly so I think because Arsenal are paying his wages so why shouldn’t they expect him to be part of pre-season like everyone else? If he wants to leave, fine, but until his agent finds him another club, he’s an Arsenal employee with a job to do!
See you in the comments.
Afternoon Rico and all
To read that we came back from 2 down to win the match is good news. It may only be a practice match but these players have to prove they deserve their position in the team.
As for Torreira he has the most to loose during these practice matches, No matter who he wants to play for it will come down to these matches.
Afternoon Geoff, all.
I take nothing from yesterday other than it was a 30-45 minute run out for our players.
Afternoon Rico. Our new American goalie looked very ordinary yesterday. A bit worrying for me.
Patino was impressive.
Afternoon Adam, the same thing went through my mind re Turner. I keep telling myself it’s early days for him. Lol
Really good to hear Jesus say he’s not joined us to be a superstar.
Good afternoon Rico and others, only Geoff here at the moment but others will soon show up.
It looks as though Fulham have got a bargain, Bernd Leno is said to be joining them as a £10 million fee has been agreed. If he does go I wish him well, but not when he plays against us. 😉
Great result down under Australia 17 – 25 England, should be a fantastic decider next weekend. Rugby Union if any are in doubt.
Fair dos to Matt Turner Adam, his first game and probably his first meeting with the rest of the defence. He can only get better…I hope.
On the other hand Jesus looked very tasty.
Yes, I know it was his debut Cicero. Like you I hope it goes better for him.
Afternoon Cicero. I’m really surprised Fulham are getting Leno. Still, good luck to him indeed.
How was Marquinhos Adam? I read a few positive comments about him.
Rico. I thought he looked ok. On the right he’s always going to move the ball onto his left foot but he seems balanced in movement and is certainly quick to accelerate from standstill.
That’s positive then Adam. I’m not convinced he’ll go out on loan.
Perhaps not. I do wish we’d sort this midfield and left-side defence thing. I’m concerned that we’ll lose our main targets to others.
Same here.
Cicero enjoy those score as the cricket is not far away ha ha
Rico as we both said the other day lets hope all goes well for Leno but not against us. 10 mill seems to be a bargain for Leno.
Does seem cheap Geoff but I think he’s contract runs out next summer.
Actually 10 million is a good fee for a goalie who has spent a season on the bench. Plus he is 30 and a season away from the end of contract. Leno is a good keeper but clearly not suited to Arteta style.
Goalkeepers frequently go on to play well into their late thirties, and beyond, at quite high levels so Leno is not necessarily approaching the end of his career. As I said earlier, Fulham are getting a bargain at £10 million.
New post up now