From Sianghuei: Arsenal unimpressive
Hi Myles,
I am writing to you from Yiwu, China.
Yiwu is one hour away from Hangzhou.
Arsenal played here tonight, though everyone thought the game would be at Hangzhou.
I do not write long letters so these are my observations:
1) The combination of RVP, Nasri, Arshavin & Rosicky could not tear down HZ’s defence – quite worrying. I know this is just a warm up game and they are more concerned with not getting injured.
But given the difference in standards, EPL vs China League, they ought to be able to outplay their opponents operating at 30%, But no, they didn’t turn up. They were going through the motions;
2) Frimpong was very average and is not ready for EPL;
3) Vela was rusty & will not make it;
4) Squealaci and Djourou leaked too many passes into the box
5) Arsenal were lucky to draw for the first half;
6) Second half, we had 11 changes, things were much more positive;
7) Wilshere was outstanding and played his heart out. My MOTM, again;
8) Wilshere combined well with Ramsey, and should be a real force in 2 seasons;
9) Walcott…well nothing changes, he is too one dimensional;
10) Ryo Miyaichi is not ready but is a good prospect – at least he has more brains that W14;
11) The centre half of Vermaelen and Koscielny was not really challenged in the second half – I do not expect them to improve from what we have seen – so that means if they are the best we have, Arsenal will concede important goals during the season;
12) S13 is a good prospect, not the person to wear the No.1 jersey for the coming season;
13) Nasri’s body language tells me he’s decided he is not an Arsenal player.
14) Song is the only CDM we have, and this is not enough;
15) New boy Jenkinson looks good;
16) Gibbs is not ready;
17) On what I have seen today, we will not be top 3 this coming season. This will be the same old same old situation Myles, another frustrating season for Aresnal.
18) China is a huge market for Arsenal and they should set up a HQ here.
Thanks for reading.
Hope you enjoy half as much as I enjoy reading your blogs. Good Night!!
Myles replies:
Thanks mate.
Let’s wait and see what Arsenal do against Cologne and Benfica.
What do I always say in July?
Pre-season is for managers.
And this manager is 7,000 miles outside his comfort zone.