The Emirates Cup: A Review

Arsenal must look to strengthen following the Emirates Cup

Well it was an interesting weekend for the Arsenal. Many had hoped and expected that we would win the Emirates Cup, but two mediocre performances meant that we finished third. There were some positives to take from the weekend's matches and I am sure Arsene Wenger will have learnt a great deal about his squad.

One thing that was clear to see is that Ignasi Miquel is not good enough to play in an Arsenal shirt. The Spaniard, although not naturally a left back, was torn to pieces following his introduction against Galatasaray. While Miquel has impressed for his country at youth level, it appears he is struggling to make the step up to performing week in week out for a top four club. For this reason I would expect we will see him depart the Emirates either on loan or a permanent deal.

I also have my reservations about Carl Jenkinson. He has certainly come on leaps and bounds since joining the club, but he is still far from the finished article. If he can keep progressing at his current rate then he has a great chance of becoming the club's first choice right back, but that won't be for a few years. Wenger must look to tie Bacary Sagna down to a new contract so that we can develop Carl under the tutelage of the French full back.

Another thing we learnt is how by adding just two world class players you can completely transform an average side. Just look at Galatasaray. Prior to the introduction of Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder the Turkish Champions lacked any real cutting edge. However as soon as the pair were brought on the game changed and Galatasaray suddenly looked threatening. This is something Wenger must take note of. If we added just two world class players, to our already good side, we would transform into a very threatening outfit.

In terms of personal performances a few players caught my eye. On day one Laurent Koscielny and Tomas Rosicky both put in stunning performances, demonstrating how the pair of them have carried over their good form from the tail end of last season. While on the second day Santi Cazorla produce a few moments of genius which suggest he could make another huge impact this year.

A special mention must also go to Gedion Zelalem. The youngster looked calm and composed when brought on against Galatasaray, indeed I can't remember him giving the ball away. He certainly has a huge future in the game and I expect Wenger to nurture him this season, ensuring that his young star does not get pressured by the hype already growing.

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Come on you Gooners!

Wenger To Solve Defensive Midfielder Problem?

Luiz Gustavo: Arsenal's New Midfield Enforcer?

It appears as though Arsene Wenger may finally look to solve the issue of Arsenal's defensive midfielder problems. For years the Gunners have been crying out for a holding midfielder who will sit and protect the back four and, if reports today are to believed, it appears as though Wenger has identified Luiz Gustavo as that man.

The Brazilian midfielder currently plays for Bayern Munich. However as was the case towards the end of last season Gustavo is struggling to secure a spot in the side. Following the signing of Thiago from Barcelona it would seem that task will be even harder this season.

With both Bayern and Gustavo admitting that a move would be sanctioned if it met the club's and player's demands one would expect the midfielder to move in the near future. Both Wolfsburg and Chelsea, along with Arsenal, have made enquires. The three clubs value the Brazilian at around £10 million, some £5 million short of what Bayern are said to be holding out for.

Gustavo would be a good fit for the Gunners. Standing at around 6ft 2in he is undoubtedly a powerful athlete, however it is his calmness on the ball which also makes him such an attractive proposition. Indeed his play is reminiscent of a former Arsenal and Brazilian great - Gilberto Silva. Two years ago Gustavo was an integral part of the Bayern team which narrowly lost to Chelsea in the Champions League final, and his place in the side was only lost due to the outstanding performances of Javi Martinez last season.

Simply put Gustavo is an exceedingly talented player and one that would adapted well to the Premier League in my opinion. While it is rumoured we have been looking at Fellaini as an answer to our holding midfield problems, I believe that Luiz Gustavo would be a better option. Unlike the Belgian Gustavo would be happy to sit and not venture forward. Furthermore having come through the ranks as a defender Gustavo understands just how vital midfield protection is for the back four, something that modern holding players seem unable to comprehend.

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Come on you Gooners!