So Arsenal have decided that Sylvain Wiltord and Nwankwo Kanu are surplus to requirements. While I can’t really argue too much with the decisions I must say that I am sorry to see both of them go.
Kanu was certainly a remarkable figure at Highbury. From his first appearance which led to a controversial goal (he didn’t know to kick it back to the opponents after an injury) to his ridiculous hat trick against Chelsea (in the final 17 minutes of the match) Kanu was without doubt one of the most entertaining players of the last several years. You could easily make a 40 minute highlight tape of Kanu’s best moments with Arsenal and it would be completely outrageous.
Can you imagine the stuff he must have been doing in practice? Just crazy. But injuries and circumstance have limited his effectiveness with us the last two seasons. I personally will have very good memories of Kanu and wish him all the luck in the world. He’s a good man who has tried to help his troubled country and overcame a major health scare.
Sylvain Wiltord was always going to have a bit of a tough time here. He came with a huge price tag (not his fault) and basically plays the same position as Thierry Henry (not his fault again). Despite that he regularly scored 15 goals a season (about as much as Michael Owen got this year); he ran his bollocks off and was available every week. He also seemed to play with a real joy and appeared to be the team clown. Over the years I’ve heard many people praise Ray Parlour for his spirit and effort. I believe Wiltord gave that as well, plus he actually had talent.
My big fear is that these two will stay in the Premiership. I don’t imagine they’ll win trophies, but if the score was tied late in the game and Kanu was on the other side, I would be scared to death.
Again, thanks to both men for their loyal service, I think all Gunners should give them a round of applause if they appear at Highbury next season.
4 Responses to “Farewell to two enigmas”
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June 14th, 2004 at 8:57 am
There are some rumors that Kanu is headed to Charlton. From Gunner to Addick. He’ll make his mark there, for sure if its true.
I also believe he made a lot of noise in the African Nations Cup, a tourney that has grown in prestige over the years.
June 14th, 2004 at 10:16 am
I can only think of one word to describe Kanu - MAGIC!
He’s great to watch, can pull off the tricks to stun everybody out of the blue, yet as the nature of magic, it don’t come everyday, and it’s not as efficient and reliable.
I believe the reason AW would let him go much down to Kanu’s pay package (he’s reportingly earning 1 mil a season). Kanu is a useful player, because he has the ability to provide as with a “Plan B” when things don’t go to plan in a match. And personally, I particular believe he’s useful in Champions League ties, especially at away games or games the oppositions chose to pack their penalty area.
Playing against a pack defence is not Arsenal’s strength. Best examples were against Ajax at home two seasons ago, and Inter at home last season. Both teams adapted a same tactic - packed the penalty area and hit us at the break. Against a packed defence, we need a target man who could hold onto the ball,and get teammates involved in the attack. And there is no better one than Kanu in terms of holding on the ball with his size 14 feet. Yet to pay a role player 1 mil a year is out of our budget now. So i don’t think we have much choice but to let him goes.
June 14th, 2004 at 12:05 pm
Damn!
I really like both of these players alot…
Kanu was one of favorite Arsenal players period. He was magic at times… and he LOVED playing for the Arsenal. I saw more Kanu shirts when I was in Zimbabwe than all other teams combined!!
I wish him the best, I just hope he does pull a hat-trick against us!!! (if he remains in the EPL)
Wiltord is an excellent player. He has the ability to be a top scorer in this league if given the right team and opportunity to play. He’s on the French National team… that tells you how good he is! Again, I wish him well… just don’t want to see him at Spurtz… but I can see him following Santini.
Go well men…
June 14th, 2004 at 12:33 pm
Just in: Charlton, today, denies interest in Kanu.
As it stands, both of our men are still in limbo.