Arshavin 2, Atletico Madrid 1, Senderos Exits to Everton and more

By: travis | August 1st, 2009

Afternoon all. I thought I’d jump in for a few thoughts after today’s 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid in the first game of the Emirates Cup. It’s certainly nice to bag a win in the club’s first preseason match at home, and there were a few encouraging signs. A few takeaways to toss out there:

Rosicky played 45 minutes and looked solid in doing so. His health could be a major X factor to the season as he bagged a goal that was ruled out for being offside. Not debating the validity of the call, but the quality of the finish. It was top drawer, and if he’s on the pitch more than he’s not this season it is a huge boost to this club of mostly teenagers.
Jack Wilshere is going to be a very, very good player. If you don’t think he is one already. Interesting to see what kind of a role he has this season. His passing and vision are remarkable for a 17-year-old.
Two words: Andrey Arshavin. A full season of the short Russian attacker is something that should excite all Arsenal fans. His two goals were both top notch finishes, especially when you consider the fact that it’s preseason.
Vito Mannone does not inspire confidence as a third-string goalie.
Plenty of reason to worry about the defense. They were suspect at best.

Which brings us to our next piece of news — it is widely reported by a number of sources that Phillippe Senderos has been sold to Everton. Surely that prepares Everton to sell Lescott to Manchester City soon thereafter. While mainstream media reports are yet to catch on, Arseblog and Gunnerblog have both referenced it, and they’re a lot close to North London than I am.

What does this mean? First off, it’s no surprise that Senderos is off, but if Arsene fails to bring in anyone else, the club could be left in dire straights. And while Wenger seems keen to do so (at least by next week), it seems necessary to bring in at least the central midfielder that everyone seems to be talking about. Today’s game proves that the attacking options are plentiful — it’s the other end of the pitch that needs work, though it seems that within a week a new face could be brought in. His words after the game:

“I will be looking at all the options we have during the week, and then we close [pre-season]. I believe we have quite a strong squad now. If we can add one or two players, we will do it, but not more.”

I’m not sold on the rumored Viera move, but we’ll have to see what happens on that front. Marouane Chamakh continues to be linked to the club, but only if the price is right.

Oh, and I dropped in the highlights after the jump. Check it out before they get yanked off youtube.