Looks like all Arsenal’s international players will be returning healthy, which is good news. Even better news was the sight of Andrey Arshavin coming on as a half-time substitute for Russia. Arsenal will need Arshavin’s magic in the coming weeks.
According to Italian daily Corriere dello Sport, Roma are weighing up the possibility of a summer move for William Gallas. Roma is managed by Claudio Ranieri who signed Gallas for Chelsea in 2001 and reportedly wants to work with him again. If Gallas leaves at the end of the season, is it a big loss?
Interesting quotes by Gael Clichy on the Arsenal web site. Clichy was talking about the impact that Sol Campbell has had and said:
“Sol is not the kind of guy who is going to run for 90 minutes like a left-back or a midfielder but he was really focused and professional. The way he played against Porto and the way he came in against Aston Villa showed that the guy is a great leader. We surely missed people like that and it’s great to have him back. He is a big influence in the dressing room. That’s what people say about experienced players and I think we have the best one.”
When Arsenal signed Campbell I was one of those Arsenal fans who was not in favor of the signing. But I was wrong. Arsenal needed his leadership both in the dressing room and also on the pitch. It was Campbell going around to the players at Stoke, keeping the morale up, keeping the players focused on winning the game.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
that is what ferguson is doing for years and years by getting the best out of giggs,scholes,neville and van der sar…see it was two season ago scholes told he will retire by 2008 but fergie made him to extend his run and now he doesnt even think of retiring…we should not have left pires , gilberto and even toure to leave…..they all have the experience to guide the youth..wenger is adamant in his decision not to sign anybody over 30 and not to extend their contract after 30…see 30 is not too old for a player…due to his stubborness wenger has caused arsenal many and more or else he would have delivered more and more trophies…he teaches young talent the best and he is second to none..but on the field you can teach..it is upto the players mentality…why wenger changed his decision to get Sol ???maybe he realised ????
I still remember him in the champions league game we lost to Barca. He works hard and he is no doubt an influence for the team. We need him but not involve him in every game because of fatigue. I am one of those who are very optimistic to winning the title and such a run in needs services of worriors like Sol! And your views…..?
whatever happens this season (my guess? third. sorry!) we need some more experience in the camp.
i hope aw brings in a couple of players who know the premiere league inside out in the summer even if they don’t start every game.
a dm and sol type cb