Wilshere on target as Arsenal see off Stuttgart
Jack Wilshere was amongst the goalscorers as Arsenal beat VfB Stuttgart 3-1 this evening in a match to celebrate the re-naming of the German side’s stadium.
Arsene Wenger handed several of the players who spent the summer on international duty their first starts of pre-season, with new signing Samir Nasri making his debut for the club.
————————Almunia————————–
–Sagna—–Djourou——————-Gallas (c)—-Clichy
–Walcott—-Eboue——————–Denilson—–Nasri
————Van Persie—————-Adebayor
subs: Fabianski, J.Hoyte, G.Hoyte, Lansbury, Randall, Wilshere, Vela, Ramsey, Simpson, Bendtner.
The first-half saw little in the way of goalscoring opportunities, Theo Walcott came close with one effort. The first 45 minutes were all about the international players feeling their way into the game and it was planned that most of them would not play the whole game.
The second period saw some changes with Fabianski replacing Almunia, Justin Hoyte coming on for Djourou and Bendtner and Vela replacing Van Persie and Adebayor up front.
Stuttgart took the lead through Yidilray Basturk on 52 minutes, but Carlos Vela levelled for Arsenal after being played through by Bendtner.
The Mexican then turned provider for the Dane as the Gunners took the lead. Some neat link-up play between the two led to a great piece of control from Bendtner who fired it home.
Then some more changes were made with Wilshere coming on for Nasri and Ramsey replacing Eboue. Jack played wide right, with Theo switching to the left and Aaron partnering Denilson in the middle.
It was Wilshere who would have the biggest impact of the substitutes after he controlled Gael Clichy’s cross and drilled home a low shot for his third goal of pre-season.
Clichy himself had a shot just wide soon after and then Wenger made two further changes with Randall and Gavin Hoyte replacing Walcott and Sagna. Gavin partnered his brother at the back whilst Randall played in central midfield.
Wenger used his remaining two substitutes soon after with Lansbury and Simpson getting run outs coming on for Denilson and Vela.
It was an interesting game and the attention now turns to this weekend’s Emirates Cup, where the Gunners will face Juventus and Real Madrid. With Wenger unlikely to field the same team in both games, it could be yet another chance for some of the youngsters to impress.
Brilliant match overall and very good performance by most in my opinion, especially Bendtner and Vela. My only criticism would be that I don’t understand how it is constructive to continually play J. Hoyte in central defense. If Senderos is going to be third choice center half why not give him a run out and have Hoyte spell Sagna at his natural position? If we don’t upgrade the center half position I fear what might become if either Gallas or Toure suffer a prolonged injury during the season.
Where’s Nacer Barazite? Also I agreee center of defence worries me.
World peace please!!!!!!!!
Arsene Wenger will not be able to keep Jack Wilshere a secret for much longer IMO
Good game, we played well, much better in the second half, liked the look of Nasri and Vella, Ramsey looked composed,Denilson has shown he can control the tempo of a match, Wiltshire did ok, but all in all a very good performance by the lads.
Jakbo common, Denilson was never in the game and Ramsey looked a little bit out of place. Nasri and Vela had an excellent game though
Yes, this is the one that we can make scrutiny of. Beating Stuttgart is not easy at all, and definitely not coming from behind to score 3. It WAS a friendly, but it meant more to the German side who were renaming their stadium. But one thing, Bendtner should start. Nasri looks good, and for Vela, WOW, just wow.Wislhire = promotion. Again, I know it’s just preseason.
video hihglights at: http://www.arsenalspot.webs.com
barazite is with the reserves and played against crawley in a friendly at the weekend despite being named in the initial squad for the trip to austria.
Denilson was very composed and has looked better with every minute on the pitch, coming deep to collect and carrying the ball through the middle and linking up play.
I have no idea what some people think certain positions are supposed to do.
Eboue to partner Cesc in the centre? Got to put him somewhere I guess
Arseanl for me need another goal keeper to put pressure on Almunia as Lehman used to do… to keep him playing to the highest of standards.
Also I feel it would be a luxury for arsenal to have another big centre back just in case toure and gallas get injured. WIth song and senderos to fill in at the back… we seem to be sufficiently covered. Personally i believe toure and gallas do not make the best of partnerships at the back… i’d like to see perhaps toure and song together.
On another it was lovely to see Jack Wilsher on the score sheet again, against a quality side… it would be nice to see him getting more game time in the 1st team squad apart from just carling cup appearances.
Finally it was also nice to see nasri having more shots on goal in his debut game than hleb probably did in his entire career at arsenal
Great Write-up mate, here are my player ratings:
Almunia – Very solid outing, you could see that he was trying to be more vocal, and had a fantastic save in the first half from a shot that looked like it hit the side netting straight but on closer inspection was a great save. 7.5
Sagna – Solid as you like at the back, had some great forays up front. Showed tenacity and bottle. Faded somewhat in the second half and was replaced because of what looked like an injury, hopefully nothing too serious. 7
Gallas – Great to see him back with the armbad, got a little nervous when ArsenalTV made it it seem like he was going to be stripped off the captaincy in favour of Almunia(?!). Anyway not bad for his first game back, showed his class but not much of an understanding with Djourou. 6.5
Djourou – Not a bad performance, was hoping to see him in the DM position he keeps talking about. Anyway Made a few fouls at the back that resulted in him picking up a yellow card. Slightly off the pace and not much of an understanding with Gallas, but I guess that can be forgiven considering its only their first game back of pre-season.
Clichy – Future legend in the making! Was a great attacking outlet even though he was caught upfront a few times early in the game. Tenacious, looks in great shape – showed magnificent determination to set up Wilshere just doesn’t give up! Deserved to get the goal he was trying hard so to get, Someday soon Gael! 8
Nasri – Showed real class, great setpiece delivery from freekicks and corners, great balance and dribbling ability, his pace was great too. It’ll take him a little time to hit top form but Arsene does know what he’s doing and he’s found a little gem here! 7.5
Eboue – Seemed quite anonymous for much of the first half which is understandable considering I don’t think he’s ever played in central midfield. No major errors though. 5.5
Denilson – slowly getting into the groove of things, has had a lot of minutes this preseason. He still hasn’t hit the heights of his break-out season the season before last but I’ve every reason to believe he does. Good distribution. 6.5
Walcott – One of the best players in the first half, learning to use his pace to good effect, looks sharp and in great shape. Unlucky not to score with Lehman making a great save. Good intelligent running and link-up play, I think he’ll hit the ground running come West Brom. 8
Adebayor – Looked rusty for his first game back. Looked clumsy and his first touch wasn’t great, but he started last season the same way and 30 goals later….! Anyway his passing and link-up play was decent but hopefully he gets his sharpness back quickly or Bendtner will be replacing him in the starting XI! 5.5
Van Persie – Such a top class player, and you can tell whenever he plays no matter how out of shape or form he’s in. Some great runs, dribbling and magnificent through ball for a Walcott chance in the first half. I’m praying he stays fit! 7.5
SUBS
Fabianksi – Looked very solid, had more to do than Almunia did in the first half. Came out and acted as a sweeper very well on a few occasions when he was needed. You can tell he’ll become a keeper with a great presence. Not too much he could do about the goal and great instinctive save very late on in the game. 7.5
Bendtner – Picked up right where he left off against Bergenland! His first touch is back, confidence clearly flowing, great reverse through-ball for Vela for the first goal and showed magnificent strength, awareness and finishing to hold of Bouhlarouz and sidefoot a half-volley past Lehman for the second goal. Watch out Adebayor, he’s coming for your spot! 9
Vela – Also picked up right where he left of against Bergenland, great instinctive player and his goal was just that, pure instinct and great awareness to knock the ball away from Lehman and smash it in off the crossbar. His assist for Bendtner’s goal was great as well, reminiscent of Fabregas’ assist for Guiza in the Euro’s! Quite the partnership he’s forming with Bendtner, and we’re beginning to see why there was so much hype around our Mexican warrior! 9
Wilshere – It’s getting harder and harder to keep this player under wraps and not too hype him too much! Early on you could tell he was playing with a little fatigue as he had only played 48hrs previously at only 16. A few passes and decisions were just a shade off, but you can tell this player has real class. Good link up play, attempted a few of his trademark reverse passes, and a great left-footed half volley finish for his goal, though it did help that he was completely unmarked! I just pray he isn’t snapped up before he signs his first professional contract at 17! 8.5
Ramsey – The passes he made when he came on were magnificent. 100% inch-perfect passes almost like I’ve never seen before. Helped the team play some great possession football and really helped spread the play late on. 8
Lansbury / Simpson / G Hoyte / J Hoyte – Helped see the game out but not enough time to assign a rating.
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Great Write-up mate, here are my player ratings:
Almunia – Very solid outing, you could see that he was trying to be more vocal, and had a fantastic save in the first half from a shot that looked like it hit the side netting straight but on closer inspection was a great save. 7.5
Sagna – Solid as you like at the back, had some great forays up front. Showed tenacity and bottle. Faded somewhat in the second half and was replaced because of what looked like an injury, hopefully nothing too serious. 7
Gallas – Great to see him back with the armbad, got a little nervous when ArsenalTV made it it seem like he was going to be stripped off the captaincy in favour of Almunia(?!). Anyway not bad for his first game back, showed his class but not much of an understanding with Djourou. 6.5
Djourou – Not a bad performance, was hoping to see him in the DM position he keeps talking about. Anyway Made a few fouls at the back that resulted in him picking up a yellow card. Slightly off the pace and not much of an understanding with Gallas, but I guess that can be forgiven considering its only their first game back of pre-season.
Clichy – Future legend in the making! Was a great attacking outlet even though he was caught upfront a few times early in the game. Tenacious, looks in great shape – showed magnificent determination to set up Wilshere just doesn’t give up! Deserved to get the goal he was trying hard so to get, Someday soon Gael! 8
Nasri – Showed real class, great setpiece delivery from freekicks and corners, great balance and dribbling ability, his pace was great too. It’ll take him a little time to hit top form but Arsene does know what he’s doing and he’s found a little gem here! 7.5
Eboue – Seemed quite anonymous for much of the first half which is understandable considering I don’t think he’s ever played in central midfield. No major errors though. 5.5
Denilson – slowly getting into the groove of things, has had a lot of minutes this preseason. He still hasn’t hit the heights of his break-out season the season before last but I’ve every reason to believe he does. Good distribution. 6.5
Walcott – One of the best players in the first half, learning to use his pace to good effect, looks sharp and in great shape. Unlucky not to score with Lehman making a great save. Good intelligent running and link-up play, I think he’ll hit the ground running come West Brom. 8
Adebayor – Looked rusty for his first game back. Looked clumsy and his first touch wasn’t great, but he started last season the same way and 30 goals later….! Anyway his passing and link-up play was decent but hopefully he gets his sharpness back quickly or Bendtner will be replacing him in the starting XI! 5.5
Van Persie – Such a top class player, and you can tell whenever he plays no matter how out of shape or form he’s in. Some great runs, dribbling and magnificent through ball for a Walcott chance in the first half. I’m praying he stays fit! 7.5
SUBS
Fabianksi – Looked very solid, had more to do than Almunia did in the first half. Came out and acted as a sweeper very well on a few occasions when he was needed. You can tell he’ll become a keeper with a great presence. Not too much he could do about the goal and great instinctive save very late on in the game. 7.5
Bendtner – Picked up right where he left off against Bergenland! His first touch is back, confidence clearly flowing, great reverse through-ball for Vela for the first goal and showed magnificent strength, awareness and finishing to hold of Bouhlarouz and sidefoot a half-volley past Lehman for the second goal. Watch out Adebayor, he’s coming for your spot! 9
Vela – Also picked up right where he left of against Bergenland, great instinctive player and his goal was just that, pure instinct and great awareness to knock the ball away from Lehman and smash it in off the crossbar. His assist for Bendtner’s goal was great as well, reminiscent of Fabregas’ assist for Guiza in the Euro’s! Quite the partnership he’s forming with Bendtner, and we’re beginning to see why there was so much hype around our Mexican warrior! 9
Wilshere – It’s getting harder and harder to keep this player under wraps and not too hype him too much! Early on you could tell he was playing with a little fatigue as he had only played 48hrs previously at only 16. A few passes and decisions were just a shade off, but you can tell this player has real class. Good link up play, attempted a few of his trademark reverse passes, and a great left-footed half volley finish for his goal, though it did help that he was completely unmarked! I just pray he isn’t snapped up before he signs his first professional contract at 17! 8.5
Ramsey – The passes he made when he came on were magnificent. 100% inch-perfect passes almost like I’ve never seen before. Helped the team play some great possession football and really helped spread the play late on. 8
Lansbury / Simpson / G Hoyte / J Hoyte – Helped see the game out but not enough time to assign a rating.
hey hey hey guys what`s up good news for gunners and guess what where believe or not gunners will come to the champion we all hope Nasir Carlos V. A.Ramsey Bischof all are Perfectly settle for the challenge
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Jack Wilshere was I like his confidens . generally arsenal was a good youth club