Arsenal Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

I watched the first 65 minutes of the game last night before switching to the highlights and going to bed. Some of the football truly was exceptional and this is certainly the best crop of youngsters we’ve ever had at the club, especially considering young first teamers Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott and Denilson didn’t feature, while four more of the club’s brightest prospects in Nordtveit, Traore, Barazite and Pedro Botelho are away on loan.

Lukasz Fabianski – I don’t think he had a save to make, so there isn’t much to form an opinion on. He was commanding though and caught pretty much everything. It’s funny, not long ago a lot of gooners would have been very worried about our keepers, but Almunia is getting better and better while our second choice keeper has become Poland’s #1 now that Boruc is in the doghouse. He’s no kid but he is young for a keeper and he looks the part.

Kieran Gibbs – I think this fella can become the new Ashley Cole – hopefully not in the whoring himself to Chelsea sense – but in the sense that he wasn’t really rated in the younger age groups but forged a good Arsenal career for himself through hard work and taking his chances when they came to him. He was solid defensively and he contributed a lot going forward last night, which perhaps isn’t surprising as he is naturally a midfielder. He isn’t a spectacular player but he is a good all-rounder, works hard and is very versatile.

Johan Djourou – Rewarded with a new contract yesterday and he continued his run of good form. He had a couple of moments when he looked like he might get himself into a muddle, but recovered each time. He is getting more aggressive and better in the air which is good to see, and he kept Beattie quiet. I’m still not sure he’s really a solution to the Gallas/Toure problem though.

Alex Song – Typically composed and low-key again. Worked well with Djourou and kept things simple. Not much to say really. He’s a good player and it showed that he was a first team squad player.

Gavin Hoyte – He’s more of a centre-back than a right-back and it showed a bit as he looked fairly average going forward when compared to Gibbs on the other flank. Defensively he did everything required though and I think he has a little bit more about him than his older brother Justin. Still isn’t one of the brighter prospects mind you.

Fran Merida – The victim of the hype pendulum – swinging from absurdly over the top to being highly underrated – had a good game last night. He linked play nicely and played some terrific pacey, arrowing cross-field passes that reminded me of Xabi Alonso. Otherwise he reminded me Tomas Rosicky when he plays on the right side; not really able to cut in as he’s a lefty on the left, but still provides an interesting option with his passing range from a wide position. He’ll certainly be a very good player.

Aaron Ramsey – Overshadowed by the goal scorers but he really was outstanding. Occasionally guilty of making some dubious decisions but his technical ability and vision are unquestionable. Created two goals and ran the show. Very Fabregas-esque.

Mark Randall – Good game. Largely deferred to Ramsey but played some lovely football himself and won the ball back quite a few times with some well timed tackles. His vision and attacking ability aren’t at the same level as the Welshman but this was the best I’ve seen from him defensively and the Carrick-type role seemed to suit him quite well.

Jack Wilshere – Did he misplace a pass all game? Linked play very well, made some great darting runs with and without the ball, and scored a good goal. A great first start by the 16 year old.

Nicklas Bendtner – Ridiculously underrated by a lot of people, but performances like this one and the one against Bolton will change that eventually. I think he’s probably the most intelligent striker the club and has formed a good understanding with all his strike partners. He creates a lot for the rest of the team with his combination of aerial power, strength and vision, but he is also able to put them away himself. 4 goals and 2 assists in 7 appearances so far this season – not bad.

Carlos Vela – What can you say? Models his game on Ronaldo (the original one) and you can see the similarities. He’s quick, has good upper body strength, has great touch, intelligent movement, can run with the ball and is a natural finisher. van Persie and Eduardo had better watch out.