Back to the front

I can’t believe it’s friendly season already. That wasn’t so bad, was it? Sure, we’re still another month or so off from the real start to the season, but we’re only a day away from seeing our boys back on the pitch. I’m looking forward to watching the Barnet match (if I can get it here) and seeing what some of our new players look like.

So, it’s been quite a tumultous summer so far, wouldn’t you say? Unlike other Arsenal blogs, I refuse to comment upon every comig and going that goes on during the off season. It’s just too draining to write about. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy reading about it… of course, I do. I rabidly follow each last detail as they happen, and keep up with all the usual blogs throughout. Some are just not to be missed, even when nothing is happening. For instance, I would have missed Arseblogger dubbing Hleb with the name Dribbly McNoscore the other day, were I not paying attention. I have to remember not to drink fluids while reading Arseblog, as I never know when I’m about to read something that will cause tea to shoot out of my nose. So, no… you did not find the ramblings of this particular blogger going on about the off season. But, now that the new season is getting ready to take off, back I am. So, let’s do a quick round up of what’s happened during the break:

Comings

• Samir Nasri, the 21 year old midfielder joined Arsenal as a potential replacement for Flamini. All I’ve read about the man sounds promising. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action and how he might slot into our completely rearranged squad.
• Carlos Vela, an 18 year old Mexican striker, who was on loan to Osasuna, has come home to Arsenal and is ready to fight for a spot in the first team. Another promising young talent who will hopefully fit right in.
• Aaron Ramsey, the 17 year old Welsh wunderkind signed with Arsenal after being pursued by several big clubs. I’m not sure how much first team action he will get at first, but he could be another long term dyed-in-the-wool Gunners before long.

Goings

• Emmanuel Adebayor tried to leave all summer, and still hasn’t found the door. I’m not sure how to feel about this. I suppose it could still happen, but it’s looking unlikely. I’ll cheer the selfish prick on if he’s still wearing our shirt next year, but it will come with a bit of a foul taste. I think what would be best at this point would be to find him another home and use whatever we get for him to snap up some new talent. You can’t argue with his 30 goals last year, but half of them were served up to him on a plate. He’d not have scored so much with a lesser supporting cast.
• Alexander “Dribbly McNoscore” Hleb left for some other club, where he will continue impressing the ladies with his fancy footwork before passing the ball to someone else. Happy Trails, Alex. I expected far more from you and was let down.
• Gilberto Silva, after 6 excellent years with Arsenal, has left for Panantanathanakayathios. This one I’m upset about. There are certain players you keep, and I believe Gilberto was one of them. He could have played out his career with us. Perhaps his form was not quite what it used to be, but he still contributed to the team in other ways and was never less than a solid, dependable player. I expect his presence in the locker room will be missed as well. I’ll miss him and wish him well with his new club.
• Mathieu Flamini left for some other club because he wanted more money. It’s too bad, really. He was a great player. None of that means shit when business is business, I suppose. Don’t let the front door hit you where the good lord split you, Matt.
• Jens “Mad Jens” Lehmann, last but certainly not least, has left Arsenal after 5 years with the club to play for Stuttgart. He came on in July 2003 to fill some very large shoes, left by David Seaman. This past season, after letting in a couple howlers, he rode the bench while Manuel Almunia took over. I think the decision was harsh and that Lehmann should have been allowed to prove himself after a spell. But, Arsene saw something he didn’t like and Jens remined on the sidelines apart from some brief appearances and cup competitions. I wish him well at his new club. He’s still a world class keeper in my eyes.

Eduardo Da Silva, after suffering his horrible injury last winter, has made an amazing recovery and has vowed to return to training months ahead of schedule. I thought the soonest we’d see him back on the pitch would be Christmas. I’m sure he’s not yet up to starting strength, but that he’s back at all this soon is a testament to his will. Robin Van Persie, impressive in Euro 2008, emerged without injury and is back in training. I think The Netherlands run in Euro 2008 may have been just what the doctor ordered to get Robin back in full swing. Could this be a big year for Robin? We shall see. Cesc Fabregas, largely serving on the bench for Spain in Euro 2008, still managed to electrify the pitch each time he stepped on it. I thin he should have started for Spain, but they took the silverware anyway, and a big congratulations to Cesc & Spain. Good show. I think I may have heard somewhere that the excellent Bacary Sagna signed some sort of contract extension which will keep him here forever. I’m in favor of this. Numbers… Manuel Almunia has taken the #1 jersey after the departing Jens Lehmann. Theo Walcott has taken Thierry Henry’s old #14, which now adorns my brand new long sleeve home jersey. Which, brings me to our new kit. I really like it. I know the lack of the fully white sleeve is seen in some circles as blasphemy, but aside from that, it really is a nice looking shirt. And the away kit is very cool (although a bit loud), reminiscent of the 1989 squad that won at Anfield.

I’m sure I may have missed some bits here and there, but those are the larger strokes. Very, very much looking forward to the start of the new season. Come on you Gunners!