Walcott Fails to Impress, Transfer News, and Reserves…

Concerning Arsenal

Poor Theo Was Never Given An Opportunity To Influence The Game...

Today is a sad day for England Supporters. Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs, and The Under 21’s were humiliated 4 – 0 by their German counterparts. Walcott was anonymous for most of the match. He hardly contributed to the game at all. He had a few chances, but England’s style of play was different from “The Arsenal Way,” which plays to Theo’s strengths. A quick striker was not what England needed, and with the defence hoofing the ball up the field, Walcott wasn’t given much of a chance.

 
Gibbs played a solid game. Nothing you could find wrong with him. He stood out positively in an English back four that conceded goals left, right, and center. Luckily, now that this tournament is over they will have some much deserved rest ahead of pre-season, which is getting closer and closer.

In other news, former gunner Gilberto Silva has encouraged his Brazil team-mate, Felipe Melo, to make the move to North London:

“We heard rumours and he asked me. I said it’s a great club and if he’s interested he should go without thinking,”
“He is exactly what Arsenal need, a powerful player with quality. If they got him it would be great because he is a player they need at the moment.”

I could see this deal happening, but it seems like for the money we’re spending, we could get Veloso or Inler at a better price. Maybe with the leftover cash, we could get someone like Serdar Tasci, who says that he is interested in joining Arsenal:

“I have the ambition to move clubs one day, but the time and circumstances have to be right for me,”
“I have to admit I’m flattered that clubs like Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus have had their eye on me in the past.”

“But I’m not getting carried away with this. I’m focused on Stuttgart and looking to return to action following my knee injury. I’d love to play in the Champions League this season.”

Great, another injury prone player at the Arsenal. You’re either French, or you’ve got to be hurt half the season. Strange criteria for a football manager.

A last little bit of news, several youth and reserve players are going to be leaving this summer. Below, I’ve summarised who it could, be as well as next seasons possible Carling Cup team, and possible candidates for a loan.
　

Concerning Reserves and Loans

The following reserve players are set to leave Arsenal this summer:

Dagenham have signed 19 year old defender Abu Ogogo.
Jonas Rasmussen has been released and is set to sign for Viborg F.F
Paul Rodgers is undergoing a trial at Northampton in an attempt to earn a contract with them.

For more detailed information check out Young Guns.

None of these players are a real loss to the club, and there are easily younger and more talented players ready to step up from the under – 18’s.

While on the subject of Arsenal reserves, I thought I’d mention the Carling Cup. This is my prediction for next season’s Carling Cup team, which will see many new players, and possibly Eduardo and Rosicky, as a way of getting non vital games under their belts.

My starting XI:

Keepers: Fabianski (or Mannone)
CB: Nordveit and Bartley (or Ayling)
FB: Gibbs, Hoyte (or Gilbert/Traore)
CM: Ramsey, Randall (or Emmanuel-Thomas, Coquelin)
Wingers: Merida, Wilshire (or Lansbury)
Strikers: Vela, Simpson (or Barazite)

Players like Bentdner, Song, and Djourou will all be moved up to full first team duty. This will leave gaps in the defence and up front that could be filled by Youth Cup winners Bartley and Ayling, or on – loan CB Nordveit. Replacing Bentdner will probably be Jay Simpson. The bench will consist of the majority of the FA Youth Cup Winning squad.

Doesn’t watching a team of under 21’s destroy a Premier League team like Wigan, give you complete satisfaction? It’s always a pleasure watching Wilshere, Vela, and many others being given a chance.

I’ve also included a list of players who may be leaving, or I feel should be leaving, as well as who to expect to go out on loan after the Carling Cup is won:

There have been hints that several of these reserve players may be sold/released:
Amaury Bischoff
Rui Fonte
Abu Ogogo
Paul Rodgers
Anton Blackwood
James Dunne
Jonas Rasmussen
Vincent van den Berg
Rene Steer

Take your pick out of any of these players who could be loaned out after the Carling Cup:
Aaron Ramsey
Nacer Barazite
Francis Coquelin
Jay-Emmanuel Thomas
Gavin Hoyte
Henri Lansbury
Fran Merida
Kerrea Gilbert
Mark Randall
Jay Simpson

Thanks for Reading!!

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