Arsenal Sign A Nice Keeper But Go Down To The Bulls

Arsenal took to the field in New York to rapturous applause and excitement. American’s know how to root for sports and soccer is gaining a lot of love in the States so Arsenal picked the right time to play in New York.

New York Red Bulls were always going to be a hell of a lot fitter than Arsenal, playing their first proper friendly, and it showed when Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the only goal of the game from an ex-Arsenal hero’s – Thierry Henry – corner.

It was a strange game with an experimental squad due to injuries and players still recovering from the World Cup. Tomas Rosicky started up front with Yaya Sanogo sidelined with a thigh problem Arsenal didn’t want to take a gamble on.

As always preseason is about fitness and results mean next to nothing but that didn’t stop a few people expressing their disdain for the management. Arsenal are focused on getting players match fit for the start of the new season and results are of small consequence until the competitive season kicks in. From a supporters perspective it’s an early chance to see your heroes and new signings take to the field but if you want real excitement or action before the season kicks off you should play pokies now at Red Flush and let the football be about fitness instead of entertainment.

We are yet to see the new signings take to the field as Debuchy and Sanchez are only returning from holiday today but expect to see them both this weekend in the Emirates Cup as well as newly announced rival for Szczesny’s number one spot, David Ospina previously of French club Nice, in a deal worth around £3.5m.

Arsene Wenger has long been an admirer of the player, who did well in this summer’s World Cup, and believes he can offer top level competition to Szczesny. Videos of Ospina suggest we have a real player on our hands but those who watch French football regularly say he can be a capricious player and effectively we have signed the Colombian Fabianski.

Fabianksi had his problems but the talent was always there and once he gained his confidence he showed what a player he was and, especially last season, how much Arsenal will miss him. If Ospina is the Colombian Fabianski then we’ve done some stellar business.

Talking of transfers, it is looking very likely we will complete the signing of Southampton’s Calum Chambers this week, with Wenger speaking officially about him. The youngster is another right back, which could see Carl Jenkinson move away on loan, however some rumours suggest he is being bought as a centre back which would be the final piece in our defensive jigsaw if Vermaelen stays. If the club captain leaves, however, you would hope Arsenal do no consider Chambers his replacement and sign a new centre-back.