Toure exit rumours doubtful, Eduardo back with a bang
So, Kolo Toure’s off, at least, the Daily Mail would have you believe.
Ever since the love-affair with Alisher Usmanov (with the BBC now well into the sordid triangle, brilliantly smashed by Goonerholic), that particular paper has been less trustworthy by the day when it comes to Arsenal rumours.
Tellingly, not many papers and websites have picked the ‘exclusive’ up yet, though that may be to do with the fact it’s 2:00am in the UK while I’ve just got off work in Australia.
Nevertheless, the Independent ran with it themselves, citing his ‘arrival’ at Eastlands as heralding the further demise of Arsenal FC.
By ‘arrival’, they certainly cannot mean in the physical sense, as Toure captained Arsenal in their 5-0 friendly win over Szombathelyi only a few hours before the story ‘broke’.
Toure came off at half time as Gallas and Vermaelen took to the field in the second half; a partnership that may very well be the pairing we see against Everton in a few weeks time.
But back to the match in a moment – what must be remembered is that not two months ago, Kolo came out with these quotes on the official site:
“I have been here a long time, and when I saw some players leaving the Club last year that was difficult for me. Then when we didn’t start the season well I was scared. You start to think that maybe the Club don’t need you anymore.
People know I love the Club, nobody can say I don’t. I believe you can only truly love one club in your career, and my club is Arsenal.”
I for one won’t hold any grudges against a truly awesome player who represented Arsenal very well during his time, here.
But if I were able to give Toure a whisper in the ear, all I’d say is this: Arsenal do need you.
Gallas and Vermaelen sounds like a partnership that could work very well. But backing them up with only Djourou, Senderos (whose future is even more uncertain), Silvestre and Song (who is off to Africa in January), is not my idea of a good time.
Toure is an essential component of this side for his versatility, his pace and his enthusiasm.
There is so much about him that just screams ‘Arsenal’ that I really don’t like to even contemplate these rumours further.
They could be true, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
Eduardo back in style, Bendtner impressing
There was of course, the afformentioned friendly earlier with Eduardo and Bendtner getting on the scoreboard with a brace a piece and Robin van Persie bagging a penalty.
The performance was okay in general though too many times the opposition got behind our defence to be comfortable. Things to work on, but there are things to celebrate.
Most importantly, the constant goal threat presented by none other than Eduardo and the growing stature of everyone’s favourite Dane.
Bendtner is looking more and more confident (answering the critics?); almost as if on some kind of high after Adebayor’s leaving.
I’m not going to go into that infamous fracas between the two in the Carling Cup at Spurs, but I refer to the huge sense going round that this is Nicklas’ big, big chance to impress.
He certainly did with two well taken chances – the first from a great cross from Armand Traore and the other a very neat finish from distance.
He wasn’t the only one to score from outside the box, with Eduardo whistling in a free kick for his brace while his first came from a great finish across the keeper’s body.
What is exciting about Eduardo is not only his very Hollywood-recovery from that horrible injury, but the fact that every rare appearance he’s made for Arsenal has seen a bag ful of goals scored each and every time.
Frustrating, isn’t it, being an Arsenal fan – there are so many glimmers of hope and yet so many trying to extinguish them.
Enter Thierry Henry, who at least brings a smile to us in the darkest of times. Top marks to an absolute legend.
Yet August 15 marches ever closer – when the match reports and player ratings actually mean something!
Filed under: Arsenal, Match Reports, Transfer Rumours
Agreed, jammathon. Arsenal flows in Toure's blood. And it would be most excellent if he stays and I would wish him to do so. But if he chooses to leave, he's one player I will absolutely remain a supporter of no matter where he goes. He's just a good guy, and has always represented The Arsenal with class. I won't comment on what's printed in the papers though, as it gets my blood boiling and it's almost time for me to sleep.
On yesterdays match, some very positive things and some things to work on, as you mentioned. Nik does look relaxed and comfortable. VERY GOOD. Eduardo is getting his legs. VERY VERY good. And our attack in general has been without Theo, Cesc and only partially had TR7, so VERY VERY VERY good that we've been so dominant (even against what could be classed as "beer-league" teams). The long ball is still an issue, but we've been playing patchwork at DM and mix-match at the back for most matches. I expect that to tighten up as we settle in to a regular rotation and get things sorted at DM (either through a purchase or just plugging in Denilson/Song and telling them to step up). Overall, I've been quite pleased.
As for TH14's comments…I have said elsewhere and I will say it here – I tear up when the man speaks about The Arsenal. Literally. The word "Legend" does not do him service.
I love Kolo, but remember a couple of things: he has only 1 year left on his contract and could walk, out on a free in 12 months. Also he has not ben the same player after his bout of malaria. So, we'll miss him, but 15m is great business. Arsene now has a minimum of 40m – spent wisely this could be used to replace Kolo and give us what we really need: muscle in the middle of the park
Toure is a true gunner and wud be excited to see him stay. It will be sad to see him leave though I am sure AW can develop/groom another KT play alike with or without any cost. Noordveit is also a wonderful boy and a brilliant defender.
Remember when we reached CL final, we had wht most people regard as a weak defence in Flamini – Toure – Senderos – Eboue but look how far we got. Who knew Flamini can play as a left back. Gallas;Djorou,Clichy,Song,Traore,Sagna,Senderos,Vermaulen,Gibbs and the rest.
Oops did i leave Silvestre, yeah but he is not a suitable player for Arsenal. I think we shud offload him.