EuroWatch: only the German Gunners left… plus murmurings for Marco Reus. « Untold Arsenal: Arsenal News. Supporting the Lord Wenger; coach of the decade

By Phil Gregory

Laurent Koscielny’s France crashed out against Spain it was possibly one of the most dull matches I can remember having watching. Laurent will be pleased with the start and performance he put in against a Spain side that dominated possession but didn’t ask too many questions going forward, content with keeping the ball after having scored an early goal.

The centreback situation for Arsenal will certainly be an interesting one this coming season. Vermaelen came back into the side and shortly afterwards Mertesacker was injured so there was never really a long period where Wenger had to pick two of the three stand-out centrebacks. The Belgian didn’t impress too much at the end of the season, but it did come out (though I can’t remember my source on this for the life of me, it may have been a comment or article from Walter) that he was playing through an injury to keep us ticking over given Mertesacker’s absence. Given that then, it seems likely that after a summer of rest and an injury-free pre-season, Vermaelen should be back to his best. Mertesacker too will be ready to go for pre-season having got himself fit for Germany this summer. For me though, the first choice centreback has to be Koscielny, and I suspect he will form the best partnership with Vermaelen, given their slightly contrasting style. Mertesacker and Djourou will make excellent back-ups, and the average age of the four of them is great too. That however isn’t great news for the likes of Miquel and Bartley, so perhaps a Premier League loan spell for those two would be best.

Lukas Podolski was on the bench for Germany’s clash versus Greece, with the German coach favouring a different style of wide player to get through Greece’s stubborn defence. It will remain to be seen how he will set up his side against an Italian side that is also well known for its defending and can play with a lack of width too. There may be a temptation for Low to stick with his tricky wingers to stretch the Italian back line, so perhaps we won’t see Podolski before a probable Final appearance.

Then there of course is the small matter of England’s dire display last night, where Walcott appeared off the bench and Chamberlain did not feature. Despite riding their luck when the Italians hit the post early on, England actually played some good stuff in the first half, with some good passing and movement. Had that continued, it would have been an excellent base for Hodgson to have added some directness and penetration to England’s play with Theo Walcott and later, Chamberlain. Alas it was not to be, as England forgot their game plan in the second half and proceeded to defend stoically and win the ball back, before kindly hoofing it back to the Italians to have another go at the English defence…

From then on England rode their luck, and despite good performances from all of the England back four and goalkeeper, the complete absence of a midfield meant they were relentlessly exposed. The limitations of Scott Parker are clear to all with half a brain and can be excused somewhat if he has a good passer on the ball next to him to help him with that aspect of the game (see Parker-Modric at Spurs). England however had Steven Gerrard, who is at his best bombing around the pitch and breaking into the box to score goals, rather than precise midfield play. Despite plaudits from the punditry during this tournament, Gerrard has been poor – set piece deliveries aside – and needed to be much, much better on the ball given he was playing next to Parker. I’d go as far to say Gerrard shouldn’t play in central midfield if you want the best from him, or at least not in a midfield two in any case.

This unfortunately meant that when Walcott was introduced, he got next to no service. The poor lad must be dying to get back to Arsenal now for some of Song’s dinked passes. Get that contract extended while you’re at it, Theo!

So from an Arsenal point of view there is only Podolski to really keep an eye on, with Mertesacker unlikely to be involved and all the rest eliminated. Murmurings of a near completion on the Giroud deal are pleasing, but surely spell the end of Chamakh’s Arsenal career yet there is little talk of an exit for the Moroccan. Interestingly, the Daily Star (I know…) has quotes (the only thing that makes this worth mentioning) of Arsène Wenger saying he is keeping an eye on Dortmund’s Marco Reus. A quick search on youtube didn’t reveal a video of Wenger’s comments which were apparently made while working for French TV. If anyone knows of a link of the video or reputable French source please do post it up in the comments section so we can have a look at it.