Morning all, a quick Sunday round-up for you.
Arsenal completed what the manager has called a ‘perfect’ pre-season last night with a 1-0 win over Ajax in the Amsterdam Tournament. A Robin van Persie goal sealed the win and the trophy. The Dutchman came in for some rough treatment during the game and appeared to be given the gift of an elbow in the face and a nasty kick long after the ball had gone which saw him stretchered off. Thankfully though he appears to be ok and his importance to the team has been illustrated in pre-season with some match winning goals.
And after his veiled dig at Thierry ‘tennis player’ Henry last week Robin responds to Freddie Ljungberg’s criticisms of the club here. I have to say I watched the interview with him after the Inter game and it looks like he’s relishing the responsibility he’s got now and that can only be a good thing. He’s quite the sharp mouth. I like it.
Arsene was not at all happy with some of the Ajax tackling but once everyone has come through unscathed it can’t really be a bad thing. You’ll get a dozen games like per season in the league so it’s good to toughen people up, even if it isn’t particularly nice to see.
I can’t say anything about the performance or how individuals got on because I didn’t get to see it but there’s plenty of opinion on the blogs this morning. Go check some out or tell me yourself on the arses.
Arsene told reporters ‘don’t worry’ when asked about his new contract and when pressed about potential new signings he said:
I am not sleeping. However, today we had Gilberto out in midfield, [Alex] Song, [Abou] Diaby and [Cesc] Fabregas did not play. So we have plenty of quality players, and the pre-season tells you that we have a big squad.
Sorry about your forty winks, Arsene, but I don’t think you’ll be getting too much sleep until we get a couple of players in. Who could they be? When could they be coming? All these questions, and more, will be answered by somebody, somewhere. In the meantime though the lads have the confidence boost of two trophies, wins over good sides like Ajax, Nazio, Inter and PSG and another 6 days to prepare themselves for the first game of the season against Fulham.
Looking around the other stories, William Gallas says he doesn’t regret leaving Chelsea and that Arsenal’s young players have to focus on finishing first, and nothing else. He says:
Right from the first game we have to think only about first place. If we only focus on third or fourth, things will not go well. That is where the older players will be important in the dressing room, to do thework of psychologists with younger players. At Arsenal we have good things ahead of us. We have one of the best young squads in Europe and if they can take the next step we can be great once again.
He’s a funny guy, Gallas, he really is. Still, let’s hope his feet talk as well as his mouth this season because if they do they’ll be the best talking feet in football.
Carlos Vela is excited about his move to Osasuna (a story which Arseblog brought you way back in July). It’ll be good experience for the young Mexican and Osasuna had a very good season last time around and will be looking to consolidate themselves as a top 6 side, at least.
We’ve turned down a £10m bid from Valencia for Gilberto Silva, according to the People (cheers Beamer). That’s very good money for a 30 year old but I seem to recall Valencia being chock-a-block with central midfielders already. Can’t see it happening.
And that’s it. The countdown is well and truly on for the start of the new season and this week should be very interesting. Have yourselves a fun Sunday and we’ll see you tomorrow.
