Arsenal’s three-stop tour of Asia came to a conclusion with a 2-2 draw against Kitchee FC in Hong Kong today, with young German Thomas Eisfeld, on as a substitute, once again on the scoresheet. Eisfeld’s second-half strike added to Theo Walcott’s effort in the opening period ensured that the game ended level and, although the Gunners enjoyed a dominant last 20 minutes or so, their defensive deficiencies were plain for all to see, particularly early on in the game.
Ignasi Miquel, who was handed a start at centre-back alongside captain Johan Djourou following his impressive display against Manchester City on Friday, was culpable of giving the ball away in a move which led directly to the Kitchee goal, before Walcott levelled following good work from Abou Diaby. Kitchee were in front by half-time, however, after Wojciech Szczesny, making his first appearance of pre-season, was beaten following a flurry of chances for the hosts.
Craig Eastmond also started at right-back, but once again it must be said that he is far better suited to operating as a holding midfielder. Arsene Wenger made several changes at the break, with the introduction of Gervinho providing Arsenal’s attack with some much needed impetus. The Ivorian winger was involved in the move that teed up Benik Afobe, another half-time substitute, for a scoring chance, but Afobe’s shot lacked conviction as he struck the post before sending the rebound over the crossbar.
Chuks Aneke again demonstrated his passing range, even if his performance wasn’t quite as impressive as in the two previous games of this tour, whilst Afobe also saw a header go over. Kyle Bartley and Nico Yennaris were then introduced as a new centre-back pairing but neither was really tested as Arsenal began to take control of proceedings, eventually culminating in the equaliser when Eisfeld converted Gervinho’s pull-back.
Eisfeld has certainly caught the eye with his two goals in three games on this tour, a feat made even more commendable by the fact that he didn’t even play 45 minutes in any of the games. He also played some neat passes, but Arsenal couldn’t quite muster a winning goal.
Again, it was a far from satisfactory overall performance from Arsenal, given that the new Premier League campaign is now under three weeks away, but it is hoped that the introductions of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, as well as the return of Laurent Koscielny to the side, will improve matters ahead of the new season.
As far as the young players are concerned, the group is likely to be whittled down by the time Arsenal play their next, and final, official friendly against Cologne in 13 days time. Eisfeld and Aneke have surely done enough to remain with the group for an extended period, whilst one of Yennaris and Eastmond could be retained for right-back cover.
Nice summary except you didnt quite do justice to that Gervinho run that led to our second goal.
Tom eisfled looks lyk da reak deal hopèfully he stay fit and progress 2 da 1steam as a scoring attacking midfielder da cesc esque style aneke was good in patches afobe was n’t really involved
Yennaris has got to get the nod over Eastmond, far better player. I hope playing Eastmond was just to put him in the ‘shop window’. Also no way is Afobe ready, needs a loan.
I’m no expert but personally Yennaris look s better than even Jenkinson in defense and attack. He seems quicker in thought, better on the ball and able to stay with a player way easier than Jenks. Jenks is beaten way to easily and then have to recover in a very blunt manner (i.e harsh, lundging tackles that in my mind will lead to a fair few red cards). Yes Jenks can cross but primary role is to defend still….
Afobe will get better definitely needs loan in Prem! Also side note watching Neymar of Brazil let’s sell VanPersie for 20 mil if he’s not committed to AFC and make record bid for Neymar would kick ass on the AFC!!! I think once back four becomes a unit must find the killer of DM to play in front of them and a DM bid and Neymar only buys what’s some other DM linked w/AFC? That could kick ass at DM besides the French dude M’Villa?
spending 400M on one player will not solve anything for us. spending 400M on 3 quality players would do wonders. Neymar wants to go to Real or Barca too. we have no change of getting him here with the salary he wants. He will instantly become one of our best payed players.
Lets all be totally honest jenkinson yennaris coquelin eastmond there is little to choose between them. all are not quite ready to stand in for sagna. we might get away with against the likes of sunderland southampton and stoke but against liverpool man city and chelsea we wont. IMO our best 4 defenders are sagna mertesacker koscielny vermaelen with gibbs or djourou probably next. i would do this at all times play our best 4 defenders where possible which means vermaelen at left back. if sagna is out play kos at right back and either put vermaelen in the centre bringing in gibbs at left back or just bring in djourou. The real problems begin if 2 or more of our best 4 are all out at once. in our minds we all know that a deputy right back a first choice left back and another left footed centre back is required
Oops pressed submit too early. in our hearts we all want jenkinson bartley miquel djourou gibbs and santos to be the answer but they are all deputies at best and in most cases should be 3rd choice. I am with yanbi or whatever his name is yanga-mbwia & sakho would sort us out although van der weil or debuchy would be good and obvioulsy baines would be an improvement on gibbs and santos. santos could play further up send jenkinson and miquel on loan flog squillaci.
I agree. We need a good RB. Those players behind sagna are no where near world class. And in a team like Arsenal we need a player like van der wiel. I think Jenkison is good but he will struggle quite a bit in the CL and PL this season. He is very very raw and if we plan to play him this season then he needs games.
If Afobe hadn’t muffed those two gift wrapped chances Team Arsenal would have easily beaten the KitCats.
I think Yennaris seems to get more decisions right than Jenkinson at the moment, he reads the danger a bit better whereas Jenks is more aggressive and can be too eager to get/stay tight to a player and that means he can get pulled out of position. But for me Jenkinson is the bigger prospect, he uses the ball better and is a tremendous natural athlete, the decision making will improve. He will get coached in the art of defending and come up to other players’ level.
Robin Van Eisfeld??? Kid can’t stop scoring. I won’t cry if he turns out to be a goal scoring midfielder like Fabregas is!!! I hope he becomes a striker though, as there are very few players in the world who can do what Van Persie does for the entire play of the squad, as well as his own. I hope he gets a shot at some Premier League match time!!!
Both Yennaris and Jenkinson have the potential to be very accomplished defenders IMHO. Jenks is very raw, but I love his enthusiasm and desire. The rest will follow with time and experience.
Maybe he has a future in the centre of defence?
While d English lads at the Gunners youth set up gets all the hype and unknown German stole d show,Eisfield injury permitting will in the future be a Fabregas/Lampard combo in 1.I love d kid
I think Carl Jenkinson will make a pretty solid C/B given time…
I think Aneke’s progression has been a little lost in all the hype surrounding Tomas Eisfeld. I’m partly to blame for this as well!!! I think both will be great players in the future!!! I went back and viewed the matches in pre-season, and offensively both Aneke and Eisfeld stood out. Aneke in a bit deeper position on the pitch than Eisfeld.
I agree with you guys, Jenkinson has talent and will come good, I think. I’ve always liked him!!! Whether he can be a centre back remains to be seen. I actually think he could do it. But who knows. We are pretty thin right now at right back, so if he can master that position, then we’ll be all set!!! Although we do have Yennaris and Coquelin who can play there. Eastmond can too, but he looks much better in the middle as Jeorge said before. I go on a lot of forums, and everyone says that we should get rid of him!!! Why??? He’s played very well on loan and he played well in the middle, for us, when given the chance. Frimpong will miss at least half the season, and Eastmond isn’t THAT much worse than Coquelin is, as far as I can tell. I like both players very much in fact!!! I don’t get all the negativity that surrounds his presence whenever he is mentioned…stupid.
Got to agree re: Eastmond.
I just cannot get my head around some of the negative vitriol he generates.
He’s no Jack Wilshere yes, but he isn’t totally useless either. At least on here, by and large, you get a mature and balanced view on our young players.
Always a welcome read, as opposed to the poison spewed out on other so-called Arsenal blogs.
wellington silva possibly heading to codorba on loan
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ASIAN TOUR,my assesment of the youngsters on parade:Coquelin still lacks that sharpness he has last season but it’s pre season anyway,hugely talented,loves a tackle and tidy in retaining possession:Bartley surprisingly still very raw despite 2 seasons in the SPL,lunges into tackles blindly,gets caught on his weak side frequently and appears slow but has got nice body built,a desire to do well plus if properly horne mite be a threat at the opponent’s goal durinnng set pieces,quite solid attacking d ball in flight still needs to learn how to direct it on goal,Jenkinson:u can never fault his hunger,drive,commitment and passion,ever willing to do well but lacks a thing or two about the basic act of defending,needs to improve on his awareness,but a pacy wingback in the future,hits the ball well nd has got that delivery Sagna lacks in aabundance:Yennaris,still appears to be playing wit hands on the break,rarely joins the attack which is surprising cos when he did he got an assit,still learning his trade as a full back but overall solid not spectacular;Ryo:appeared 1ce nd did averagely well. watched him on loan at Feyernoord still hav,’t reach that height with the gunners but a top class player in the future,Injuries and work ethics permitting.Eastmond:still not sure if he will make d grades at Arsenal but his work tate and tenancity is a plus,just need to work on his deliveries nd calmness on d ball,:Miquel,a through breed spanish CB,adepth at switching plays from the rear and reads the gaame perfectly,still needs to work on his concentration and not get carried away while on the ball,Afobe:guilty of missing so many goal scoring chances but at his age it’s a plus to be having those chances,converting them won’t take long to learn,a willing runner,neat on the ball and great positioning sense as well as skilled at running behind defenders,Aneke:sluggish nd languid he appears but inch perfect with deliveries,and hits the ball nicely,has got the Arsenal’s quality just needs to be mobile plus work on his stamina,Eisfield:a cheaper version of Mario Goetze but by far a talented kid,got great goal sense,lively,confident nd reminds me of a teenage cesc,still gets bullied off the ball at times but his positives out weighes the negatives,a gem in the making,
Serge Gnabry Now pro since birthday on 14.07.2012. Only 2 non pro’s from 2′nd years.
Am from Nigeria,based in Kaduna,a stone throw from the Nation’s capital Abuja