Got this write up from a friend and I thought it is good to share. Well written, Paul!
".....I attended 3 of the 4 matches (not Milan v Lyon although I saw some of that on tv). The fixture schedule meant we didn't play Lyon, who were potentially the strongest team of the three opponents (given a combination of fitness and ability) - in all probability that wouldn't have been an accident but planned by Wenger.
The booing of Flamini sounded louder on tv than at the match. Not surprised - remember Reyes was pretty roundly booed last year and he contributed to an ultimately more successful side than Flamini.
Both goalkeepers were faultless; if they were new signings, people would have been raving about them. With Fabianski a judgement will be made when it's seen how he stands up to being roughed up by Blackburn or whoever. My theory was that signing Schwarzer was to enable Fab to be loaned out for a season and rebuild his self-esteem that way, but maybe not. In the post-match interview Almunia was noticeably prickly (... I have nothing to prove to anyone ... I'm at Arsenal for a further 2 years ...).
Disappointed in Gibbs, but given he's been out for the best part of a year, still have high hopes. At this stage he's certainly not pressing Clichy in the way he was 9-10 months ago. I also thought that Eboue showed why he's not going to be a top-class right-back and looks as if he will continue to be cover for Sagna; perhaps 1st choice again for Champions League, where his extra dynanism adds something important to the team. Likewise in midfield; if others are at the top of their game and no injuries/suspensions then I don't see Eboue starting. So given the rigours of a long season I would anticipate 20 starts out of 55 matches.
Was the free-kick conceded by Sagna that led to the Milan goal a bad decision by the referee? Sagna was very upset at the time, saying that the forward was wrestling him to the ground and generally I thought Foy the referee was very poor for such an easy pre-season game.
For the Arsenal-Celtic game it should be mentioned that we visibly weakened our team at the three-quarter stage, and they visibly strengthened theirs at the same time. Given the importance of their European match this week a good last 20 minutes was crucial for them. Not to say it wasn't still a little worrying and again highlighted the need for a top-class centre-back to make up a quality group of 4 in that position.
Wilshere and Walcott were the biggest talking points at the match, and on tv where Sky were hyping their performances in terms of England call-ups. A slow football day I know but that was ridiculous. Wilshere was good but it was a very big mistake to give away the penalty and he has to develop his right foot if he wants to get to the top level. Somehow it always seems to stand out more with left-footers as I would also say the same about Clichy and Vela.
Some interesting developments with Walcott. I don't agree with the 'lack of confidence argument' any longer, he's visibly asserting himself. I still feel he doesn't quite get it, doesn't quite see how to integrate his prodigous talents and skills into the team. He doesn't know quite how to fit in, and his team-mates are still slightly uncertain about what he's going to do. He was given the free-kick responsibility in the first-half, don't recall that before; Nasri took over when he came on in the second-half.
Frimpong was good but he also made lots of mistakes. He's the type of player that every crowd naturally like, there are several before him in a similar mould, and its clear we're been trying to develop somebody to fill this role through the youth/reserve structure.
Tactically I don't see any change from Wenger. 4-2-3-1 is still his preferred formation, especially at home. Chamakh fits easily into this mould and I think he's used to being a big player, with a lot of responsibility, playing on his own. Similar in that respect to Drogba, if Chamakh gets up to or even near Drogba-level we will all be very happy. Of course it took Drogba well over a full season to translate his French league / Champions league form to playing in England...."
So How's that for a summary of the Cup?
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