Jul 25
Fellow Gooners,
I am from India, and cannot see Arsenal play in any of the friendlies in Austria and Amsterdam.
There is one thing which I would very much like to know. Is Ljungberg being substituted by Bentley in these friendlies? In the course of his performances last season with Norwich, I was impressed by Bentley’s ability. I think Bentley has it in him to be a real success this year.
Also, how about a swoop for Cahill? Apparently,he has rejected a new contract at Everton. Do you all think he has it in him to fill Vieira’s boots?
Any comments on Song and Senderos? If any of you are following these matches, please comment on their performances.
Thank you.
10 Responses to “Request for progress reports from Austria & Amsterdam”
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July 25th, 2005 at 5:14 pm
Cahill filling Vieira’s shoes? They have completely different roles on the field.
July 25th, 2005 at 7:51 pm
I agree with you that Jason Bentley will be a revelation this year…He was basically the man at Norwich last year, easily their most influential player…He tracked back to play defensive and also setup almost all their scoring drives. When I saw highlights of Arsenal in preseason, I caught a glimpse of the easy goal he scored…But what I was impressed with was his features…I did not almost recognize him since his face was leaner than the last year…This kid has been working hard in the off season and I expect him to take Freddie’s position on the right wing
July 25th, 2005 at 8:41 pm
Bentley was good at Norwich, but certainly not “their most influential player.”
July 25th, 2005 at 10:13 pm
DAVID Bentley.
July 26th, 2005 at 12:51 am
bentley had a good year, but so did mckenzie, ashton, green, etc.. my money’s on green for most influential, as without him they would have conceded 7-8 goals a game. he allowed them to post a few results. i thought they would be the ones to escape the drop, but that’s the beauty of a dogfight relegation battle. may we never live to see our fabled gunners in one!!
July 26th, 2005 at 3:10 am
I see this going to be a make-or-break season for Bentley (David by the way!), kinda like Pennant’s situation last year. Remember that - Aliadiere and Qunicy now are going out on loan, even if we do go on and sign another striker, there will be still some opportunities for Bentley to play and try to impress. I’m tired of the excuses being made by the former Arsenal rejects - that AW did not give them a fair chances. Ashley Cole had Silvinho in front of him when he first broke into first team, it didn’t stop him from making the number 3 shirt his own. Bentley had made a few noises of if he doesn’t get to play he may leave. I’d rather like to see him keeping his head down and fight hard for the first team place. Nobody “deserves” to be the first team regular, you’d have to “earn” it.
Personally, i would love to see Bentley breaks through. He’s probably the most highly rated English youngster at Highbury in recent years. At the past we had seen his flash of brilliance. And I was particular impressed with his cross. Nobody at Arsenal seems to cross the ball well, it would be a bonus if we have someone who could dish out some deadly cross into the box, particular at set-pieces.
And most importantly, unlike Cesc, Senderos, Bentley is an “original” Gunner boy who’s MADE IN ARSENAL, not someone we nick it from other clubs. Always loves to see local boys breakthrough, hopefully we will soon have another one since Ashley Cole.
July 26th, 2005 at 8:56 am
I like Bentley, too. He’s got personality, and a certain fire that we’ve been lacking?though not at the position he may soon take over. Freddie is the man, no question. But he’s fearless, has a great cross (which are only as good as the head they find. Ahem..) and has that audacity which can work well against a side like United and Bolton.
But there the little things like a few antics that have seen him suspended, including kicking the ball into the stands during training, that will rub Le Boss the wrong way. Not that that’s such a crime, but Wenger knows too well how a loose cannon can hurt a side as much as help them, and he doesn’t like the club Zen to be interrupted. There’s also the issue of his body type. Is he going to get hurt a lot and lash, or does he have the rubber soul of Freddie? A lot remains to be seen.
Last season I really enjoyed following Norwich. There was a great team spirit on that side, and they clawed their way back into a few games?a 4-3 win or 4-4 tie with Middle being one standout?using sheer courage, and weapon by the name of Dean Ashton who Wenger was once keen on. I also seem to remember Bentley as a leader for them, and the struggle to stay up is one of the BEST ways to learn to play in this league. He’s going to be hungry.
But he’d better shut the noisemaker off, and like Andez said, demonstrate his worthiness on the pitch. Or he can have a long career of fighting the drop.
July 26th, 2005 at 9:55 am
Talent wise I think he’s capable of making it, now the problem is whether he will be heading towards the path of Ashley Cole? Or Jemaine Pennant…
July 26th, 2005 at 10:05 am
Let’s hope neither, exactly. I prefer he be sewn to Freddie’s hip at all times and avoid the champagne crew.
In other news, Sky Sports announced that Baptista is wary of coming to us, and now that Real have decided to throw their hat in the ring, is waiting on their offer. He really wants his citizenship and is afraid of the Premiership. Has someone checked his cell for texts from Reyes???
Enough already. No more chickensh*ts. Let’s honor Henry’s words today, trust Wenger to drop this humbling courtship that is, to be honest, beneath us, and get on with the business of playing football.
July 26th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
Interesting enough, I have just submitted a post about that Beast saga! And once again, we are in the same wavelength, scott!