Jack Wishere
On paper the first half team looked the strongest, but Barnet made it tough for them, and very few chances were created. Indeed Barnet were good value for their one goal lead. A great free kick, but a piece of inept organisation of the wall by Almunia. Placing the wall so he couldn't see the ball but leaving enough space for the ball to come through. Later he made some good saves to atone.
Ramsey had a very good debut, but most of the team seemed uninspired by the event. No doubt with 10 months of football ahead most pros aren't going to overdo it on the very first week and game back. Bendtner seemed the rustiest, and Walcott wasn't given any chance worthy of the name.
However Barnet should be credited with their effective defending and crowding of the midfield.
Simpson and Wilshere show
Simpson equalises
The second half was all change, with basically the youth team taking over with the addition of the new signing of Coquelin. This team wanted it far more than the one that played the first half, no doubt as they know they haven't ten months of first team play to look forward to.
True Barnet were tired by their first half exertions, and made considerable changes themselves, but this was a real step up by the young guns. They dominated the midfield and made ten times the chances of their seniors.
Wilshere and Jay Simpson linked up in a way that Walcott and Bendtner never did. On 64 minutes Wilshere slid in an excellent pass to Simpson, in spite of the tight angle and with lots left to do Jay forced the ball home. As fine a goal you will see at any level.
On 73 minutes Jay and Jack combined again, Simpson received the ball from Wilshere, and slipped the ball to the better placed Barazite who coolly passed the ball into the net.
After that the Gunners could have had a few more, but it ended 2-1.These games are meaningless but the young Guns saved any possible embarrassment that a defeat could have caused. Several of them also issued a warning that the first team cannot be complacent. In particular Jay Simpson showed a readiness and maturity. Wilshere needs to be protected but it would be great to see him in the Carling Cup.
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