Emirates Cup and thoughts on the new season...

Is it me or did the players look a little bit embarrassed picking up their Emirates cup medals and trophy after the game today? I think it was a bit over the top for a pre-season tournament! Oh well I guess since its been five years we probably needed some practise....

Anyway there were some positives and negatives to take from the two games...

Positives

Wilshere - what a great prospect, I really hope he stays with us this season and is given plenty of game time. I can't think of a many players in the squad I'd rather have coming off the bench this season if we are in need of a goal. The volley from the corner showed what great technique he has, reminded me of goals from Rooney / Shearer / Scholes in recent years. Plus he is certainly not afraid to get stuck in (remember against Salgado last pre-season as well as some meaty challenges today). Very excited to see him this year : )

Chamakh - I like the look of him, well not the greasy hair gel + mullet combo thing but who cares if he plays like that this season.. Good at holding up the ball, calm in possession, seems to be fairly fast and hard working too - very promising for the new season.

Koscielny - Looked good against Milan, a number of good interceptions and classy in possession.

Frimpong - Tenacious and decent in possession, may be called upon this season since we only have one senior defensive mid in the squad

Negatives

Defending! - Similar story to last season, we get to a point where we are comfortable in the game and then switch off. I know its only pre-season but 3 - 0 up against Celtic should be game over then suddenly we concede numerous chances and they score two and could have had more. It seems the concentration levels just drop off, and is a worry for the new season. I guess its a fitness issue so hopefully it can be rectified in the last two weeks before the season starts...

Crossing - Not much to say about this really, the standard of our crossing has been terrible for almost as long as I can remember... all the hard work is done to get into a crossing position then it's hoofed off for a goal kick or straight to the keeper. Its infuriating, is it that hard to clip one into the box? why do we see them ridiculously overhit so often? Maybe the arrival of Chamakh will encourage more crossing practise in training.....

Anyway, overall it was a good warm up and I think we played quite well over the two games. We stuck to the 4 - 3 - 3 formation for both games so it looks like that's what we'll be going with for the new season, and most importantly there were no new injuries. Here's hoping we get news of a new centre back and goalkeeper this week (Mertesacker & Stekelenberg will do nicely....)