Arsenal kicked off their pre-season with a convincing 4-0 win against Malaysia XI, but, to say the least, that was only a team of average players with nothing really to write home about. However, for an opening fixture in pre-season, that was a good performance, regardless of the opposition. In China, however, Arsenal were generally poor, displaying a kind of football for which they are not known. The old problems were there for everyone to see, dodgy defending as exhibited by the likes of Djourou and Squillaci, consequently going a goal down courtesy of Vazquez. It was Carlos Vela who came to Arsenal's rescue in the 45th minute with an equaliser and the game ended 1-1.
Against cologne, despite taking a Gervinho-inspired 2-0 lead, a freakish own-goal by new signing Carl Jenkinson gave the hosts a lifeline and almost made the visitors pay. Arsenal held on to win the game 2-1, but again, there were signs of defensive vulnerabilities for all to see. Then came the Emirates Cup, where Arsenal surrendered 2-0 and 1-0 leads to Boca Juniors and NY Redbulls, failing to win in both games, with Djourou and Squillaci making major mistakes at the back, reminiscent of the season past, that saw the Gunners ship a whopping 43 goals! At the Estadio Da Luz in Portugal, similar mistakes at the back made the Gunners relinquish a 1-0 lead before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat courtesy of Pablo Aimar and Nolito.
Despite being largely weakened and making significant changes at half-time, Vermaelen and Gibbs remained on the pitch for long periods, and, the players that played are Arsenal's first teamers, expected to be called upon whenever needed. Although Gervinho, Sagna, Ramsey, Rosicky, v. Persie, Gibbs and Arshavin showed some flashes of brilliance, there were many who showed that a lot is still needed. Benfica exposed our weaknesses and increased the need for Wenger to plunge into the market for a center back, a defensive mid-fielder and a striker, as it is now clear that if Van Persie doesn't score Arsenal doesn't, as evidenced in the last three games. It is also increasingly becoming tougher, after Wenger revealed after the Benfica game that Vermaelen, Gibbs and Van Persie picked up injuries and that he didn't know how long they would be out. This adds to the fact that Theo, Nasri, Wilshere, Koscielny are not certain to play in the opening game against New Castle. All in all, Arsenal's pre-season hasn't been convincing on the playing field, and off it, not good at all, with key players wanting out. This has strengthened the doubters that Arsenal will struggle in the coming season, unless Wenger does something in the market in these remaining three weeks of the transfer market. At the moment though, things are not looking rosy for my beloved Gunners, unfortunately!
