Edu’s Brazilian Revolution Will Revitalise The Arsenal

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It was just a friendly.

But despite it being just a friendly, what a support we took.

I am not sure if the crowd as made up mainly of English based fans who are making up for no European aways last year; or Mainland Europe based fans just happy to see us back on the continent. But what a turn out!

It highlights just how massive Arsenal are.

Even in our dark days, we have a huge local and global support. Easily the 3rd biggest team in England and in the top 10 supported in the world.

The trick now for the Kroenke’s is to turn that huge support into revenue to finance ourselves to success.

Yes, we will never be able to suspend those smaller, sugar daddy clubs (Man City, PSG), now will we likely eat at the same table as the European super clubs that are one step above us (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern, Man U, Liverpool, Juventus, AC Milan). But with the size of our fan base we should be looking to be the “best of the rest” and doing a lot better than finishing 8th ever again.

I’ve seen some of the highlights of the game against Nuremberg and the clear stand out was Gabriel Jesus.

Whilst we should never read too much into friendlies as you never know what stage of training and fitness teams are, the team looked sharp.

Jesus came on and scored within minutes.

He did not look like a player who has barely trained yet this season. His natural fitness, sharpness and ability was clear to all.

If you are not buying him for £8m in your fantasy football team then you are crazy (note: join our fantasy football league).

Another new Brazilian also looked impressive – Marquinhos.

We should not expect too much next season from the 19-year old, and we should ignore his pre-season performances.

But with us in the Europa League we should see him getting plenty of first team action.

Could he save us millions on the left wing? Provide competition and cover for Gabriel Martinelli? It is too early to say but it is a story to keep an eye on.

On Martinelli, I think he will have have a huge season this year.

He will be given the trust of Mikel Arteta to mark the left wing his own.

Per 90 minutes, his output not too dissimilar to Raphinha and Richarlison. Both of them are £60m men.

Martinelli has only just 21-years-old. This season I am betting on him to get more goals and assists than Bukayo Saka.

Exciting.

Have a good Sunday.

Keenos

Jackie Wilshere’s Red and White Army

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I am so glad that Jack Wilshire has retried.

The fella lived the dream. Played for the club he loves. Represented his country. But the injuries took their toll.

It is not just physical but mental.

Training on your own, in the gym, every day, trying to rehabilitate yourself can be a lonely place.

And then just as you are reaching match fitness, ready to play again, you break down and have to start all over.

I thought he should have retired prior to joining West Ham. That was 4 years ago!

He has only played 36 games since leaving us – including a spell in Denmark towards the end of last season.

The cycle of injury, rehabilitation and more injury would have been draining for himself and his young family.

I will always remember when I first saw his name.

I was in Benidorm and I got a message from a mate telling me about this young kid that scored a worldie against West Ham reserves.

Me and the lads found an internet café and got up a video of the goal on YouTube. We were sold!

A year later I was at White Hart Lane watching him dominate a Spurs team in an FA Youth Cup quarter-final.

Wilshere was easily the youngest player on but clearly the best.

He clearly has a love for the game and I am delighted he has been given a role coaching our U18s.

Maybe one day we will see him on the touch line in Islington.

Jackie Wilshere’s red and white army!

Keenos

Gabriel Jesus set to have “huge impact” on Arsenal team

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Morning and happy Tuesday.

Yesterday the Gabriel Jesus signing was finally announced. No idea why it took so long. Maybe visa applications?

He will transform our front line and is the striker we have been crying out for.

Last season, our highest scoring striker in the league was Eddie Nketiah with 5. The season before it was Alexander Lacazette with 13.

Last season we lost 5 games by a solitary goal and failed to score in 11 games. We also had 2 0-0 draws. The 8 goal difference in striker output from the season before probably would have been enough for another 6+ points.

Do not estimate the huge impact Jesus will have.

I have seen a  few comment that “Mikel Arteta wants defenders that can attack and attackers that defend”. It comes from an article in a rag that sits behind a paywall.

Whilst the tagline is correct, it is not something which should be seen as a negative.

Defenders usually have more touches of the ball than almost any other player.

It therefore makes a lot of sense that your centre backs should be amongst the most comfortable on the ball, whilst your attackers should be amongst the best off the ball.

In Ben White and Gabriel, we have two fantastic ball playing centre backs. In the new Gabriel, we have one of the best “off the ball” strikers.

Expect Jesus to pick up a few goals this season through running the channels and pressuring the opponents.

In other news, by now you would have all seen the story about a player in Barnet arrested on suspicion of rape.

Now there are lots of rumours out there about who it can be. But there is an injunction in place and a correct legal procedure that must be followed.

As it stands, the player has been arrested. He has not yet been charged or found guilty. Those spreading names and false rumours need to be careful as it could damage a future case. Breaking the injunction is also illegal, as is naming someone who did nothing wrong.

All we will say on it for now is if it is an Arsenal player and they are charged, they should be immediately suspended. And if they are found guilty their contract should be ripped up and they should never play football again.

Enjoy your day. Hopefully we get a result in the cricket today.

Keenos