Arsene Wenger says his team are ‘not far’ from where he wants them to be physically ahead of the new season, and praised the defensive performances in this weekend’s Emirates Cup.
A 6-0 win over Lyon was followed by a 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg, meaning the tournament ended with the trophy but also two clean sheets with two distinct back fours.
On Saturday, with Emi Martinez in goal, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Gibbs made up the defence, while yesterday saw Petr Cech as ‘goalie’ with Bellerin, Chambers, Gabriel and Monreal in front of him, and the consistency of the defensive displays pleased the Frenchman.
“First of all our defensive stability was very good,” he told the official website.
“We had two different teams, two good games, everybody played well, we have no injuries and we had clean sheets.
“After that our game is well structured, we can create chances and our technical level is good.”
As ever, the boss had some words for the young players who used the Emirates Cup as a showcase for their burgeoning talents.
“The young players who played were convincing as well so you could see that it’s a photo of the present and of the future as well.
“Physically we are already not far from a very good level. The team spirit is very good as well so everything is positive.
“It smells like we can score goals. That is something that is very positive. Around the box our passing looks incisive, dangerous, creative, and our finishing has not always been at the level that we want it to be in the last two days but we cannot complain.”
It’s nice that despite scoring 7 goals in 2 games, the manager wants more efficiency when it comes to taking chances.
And with Alexis still to return, you can see how that would happen.
The man’s a genius. I mean, who else could possibly smell goals besides Arsene?
Smells like team spirit.
Best preseason for years. Better squad depth than almost ever (even the Invincibles had Cygan and a young Clichy, not many keeper alternatives so would have struggled to put out a great second team), good and potentially great young players emerging, lots of winners and experience, several players looking as good as the comparable players in the Invincibles team (Sanchez, Ozil, Cech, Kos, Ramsey for a start), great spirit and togetherness.
Hard not to be very positive and will go through the roof if we beat Chelsea.
COYR.
And Ray agrees! http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/27/parlour-says-arsenal-squad-at-its-best-since-the-invincibles-day/
We’ve got so many players that are dangerous in and around the (heart shaped) box.
Best comment in ages. I only wish I could give than 1 thumb up!
More than*
Little concerned about Girouds sharpness, seems a bit behind the rest. But other than that, shaping up nicely.
Still two weeks to iron out any kinks.
Smells like EPL title…
PDOCAST, WHEN?!
Cech
Debucy-Mertesacker-Kos-Monreal
Coq-Carzola
Theo-Ozil-Ox
Giroud
This line-up for community shield?
Cech
Debuchy Mert Kos Gibbs
Coq Ramsey
Ox Ozil Carzola
Giroud
Can’t break up Cazorla/Coq from last year. Ramsey out right again, Ox on the left to take Alexis’ spot. Don’t know if Debuchey displaces Bellerin just yet. Walcott, Arteta, Wilshere off the bench.
Cech
Debuchy-Mertesacker-Kos-Monreal
Coq-Cazorla
Ramsey-Ozil-Ox
Theo
I like Giroud but I’m backing this year to be the year of Theo the striker. 30 goals, if he stays fit.
How about a good old fashioned 4-4-2 wenger with giroud and wally up front .
thank goodness this isn’t our dilemma! high spirits going into the next season! COYR
Onto the charity shield, let’s send those foul beasts into the abyss!
I am so loving how the team looks…… ummm like a team, with competition for places.
And as an admirer of The quite brilliant Abou Diaby when fit, was glad to Jeff R-Adelaide who play (the way he moves with the ball) quite similar. Still gutted for Diaby but this kid is already making me forget what we missed out on!
Gunners for life!
Next we defeat the Blues!
Miles off topic: Anyone else caught the picture of Arteta lifting the Emirates cup? Everyones half celebrating while Ozil is just eyeing up the flight attendants with a cheeky smile!
http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/900×669/jul_15/gun__1437934254_562985181_SM_5116_748C76E11A86.jpg
“How may I assist you?”
You’ve always got to watch out for the quiet ones….
I’m pleased for Gabriel. Will be interesting to see how he has adapted. I’m sure the fact that there are two other Spanish speaking defenders helps his case, let alone having Arteta, Santi and that man Alexis around.
Hope Cech is going to elbow the cunt John Terry in the Community Shield!
Gabriel speaks Portugese, doesn’t he..? 😉
(Wasn’t there a mention of this when he came to Arsenal? That the communication might be a problem as he didn’t speak Spanish or English..?)
He came from Villarreal. They are from Spain, where they speak Spanish.
He did. and they do. He is also Brazilian so his native language is Portuguese 😉
And Alexis has been spotted on beach this morning. Yes you guest it right. He was training. He is supposed to be resting. I’m sure Wenger will be confused by this one
Resting? Haha as if!
I suspect that Alexis “rested” after the Copa America by canoeing back to England.
Alexis is the closest thing to hulk
Please tell me you mean the green one not the one who was once quite good when he was at Porto! If so, you’re definitely right, mate!
Wenger certainly has some tough decisions to make for selections in the matches coming up starting with the Community Shield. Does he stick with the same lineup that ran away with the FA Cup having Walcott in over Giroud (who is struggling for sharpness now, but does provide a physical presence against Terry and Cahill). If he sticks with Giroud who goes in at left mid, Wilshere or Ox with Walcott on the right? What about Ramsey, where does he go? There is also the right defender selection that is a big question mark. Going to be interesting how Wenger… Read more »
I’d go Theo. While I love Giroud, Terry thrives on battling with people, and over his career has struggled most against fast and agile strikers rather than those who play him at his own game. Midfield is a real problem, and although I actually think Bellerin should be our first choice RB, it may be wise to go with Debuchy for the Chelsea game given their aerial threat. That said, Bellerin may be better equipped to deal with Hazard’s pace than Debuchy.
Christ I’m glad I’m not Wenger!
I think you’re right with Feo, but I don’t think it’ll be anywhere near as strong of an approach. The reason? The movement from Alexis during the FA Cup really seemed to augment the effectiveness of Walcott’s runs. Nothing off Ox, but that kind of threat would be extremely difficult to replicate. Plus Chelsea are slightly better than Villa, though still cunts.
Still think we need an experienced world class striker to take the pressure off others (another DM would be a bonus). Looking good all the same but a few key injuries will catch us out again.
There is not a lot of pressure on the strikers.. We had two of them on in and around 20 goals last season.
Wenger says that he is happy with the return from his top three spots… the midfield and defence needs to up its game.
Ozil, Wilshere, Walcott, Ramsay could easily target 10-15 goals and if even two or three of them get that we are looking at silverware as far as the eye can see.
Genuinely excited about Ox and Ozil this season. Hoping they both will have a very good season. Ozil seems to be determined to prove a point in all the preseason games. Hopefully he continues this form for the season.